In a significant judgment under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Sambalpur JMFC Court has convicted Gauri Shankar Dash (32) in a cyber‑fraud mule account case, sentencing him to two years’ rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 20,000 fine.
The court found Dash guilty under Sections 317(2) and 112(2) of the BNS. Both sentences will run concurrently, and failure to pay the fine will attract an additional two‑month jail term for each count.
The conviction follows an investigation under Odisha Police’s Operation ‘Cyber Kavach’, launched on the directive of DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania to crack down on fraudulent bank accounts used in cyber‑crime.
During investigation, Dash’s Kotak Mahindra Bank account was flagged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) after suspicious deposits totalling Rs 33,550 were traced. He failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the transactions.
The Sambalpur Town Police registered Case No. 74 dated 02.03.2026 under BNS Sections 318(4)/317(2)/112(2)/61(2) and IT Act Sections 66(C)/66(D). Dash was arrested the same day, and a preliminary charge‑sheet was filed on April 28, 2026.
Five witnesses testified during trial, supported by bank records and seized documents. Based on the evidence, the court pronounced Dash guilty.
DGP Khurania praised the scientific investigation and evidence collection by Sambalpur Police, reaffirming the state’s zero‑tolerance policy toward cyber‑crime and mule account networks. He noted that the new legal framework has accelerated convictions and strengthened cyber‑crime deterrence.
Odisha Police will continue its drive to dismantle mule account networks and curb online fraud across the state.
