The statewide ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, launched by Odisha Police to dismantle cyber crime networks, continued with strong momentum on its seventh day, recording significant successes in Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda districts.
Under the direct guidance of Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, the operation has intensified efforts to disrupt the financial backbone of cyber criminals across the state.
In a major operation, the Cyber Cell, Crime Branch, and Sambalpur district police dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud racket. Over 300 suspicious benami (mule) bank accounts were scrutinised, revealing transactions exceeding Rs 110.30 crore through 140 accounts and ₹75.36 crore through another 52 accounts. Police arrested 20 persons in the case and issued legal notices to 32 others.
In Rourkela, police busted an interstate cricket betting syndicate operating in the Bondamunda police station area. The gang was running illegal betting on T-20 World Cup matches through the “Silver Exchange” online gaming app, luring people with promises of high returns. Six accused were arrested during raids, and police seized Rs 30.65 lakh in cash, one Mahindra Thar vehicle, two laptops, and seven high-end mobile phones.
Jharsuguda district police exposed an organised cyber syndicate that had opened mule accounts in various names to facilitate illegal financial transactions worth approximately Rs 5.27 crore. Fifteen persons were arrested, while eight others received legal notices.
Across other districts, police continued intensive verification of benami accounts and follow-up action on existing cases.
Notable actions included:
- Anugul: 1 benami account verified, 1 new case registered, 1 arrest
- Kendujhar: 6 accounts verified, 3 cases registered, 3 arrests
- Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Boudh, and several others registered new cases or issued notices in ongoing investigations.
Statewide, the operation has so far verified **1,166 benami bank accounts**, registered **82 cases** related to mule accounts, **5 cases** involving cheque-related fraud, and **3 cases** linked to fake SIM/PoS devices. A total of **84 accused** have been arrested, while **293 suspected account holders and facilitators** have been served legal notices in new and 29 previous FIRs.
DGP Khurania reiterated Odisha Police’s firm commitment to completely dismantle the financial networks of cyber criminals and ensure digital safety for citizens. The operation will be further expanded in the coming days.
