Bhubaneswar, March 2: In an intensive drive against cyber financial fraud, the Central Range Police has successfully verified 7,144 mule bank accounts, blocked ₹49,50,280, and arrested 10 accused individuals, according to Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, Cuttack.
The operation, named "Cyber-KAVACH," spanned from February 13 to March 1, 2026, and covered seven districts in the Central Range—Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Nayagarh. The drive aimed at curbing the rising issues of cyber financial fraud, mule bank accounts, fraudulent SIM card issuance, and illegal monetary withdrawals.
Key highlights of the operation include:
Mule Bank Accounts: A total of 7,144 mule bank accounts were verified. 1,322 accounts were confirmed as genuine after scrutiny, 704 are still under investigation, and 608 are being verified. Additionally, 208 accounts were frozen, and ₹49,50,280 has been blocked.
New Cases and Notices: The operation led to the registration of 296 new cases, the serving of 1,272 notices, and the identification of 42 suspicious accounts connected to cognizable cases.
Fraudulent SIM and PoS Actions: In a concerted effort to curb fraudulent SIM issuances, 20 Points of Sale (PoS) suspected of issuing SIM cards illegally were identified. Seven cases were registered, and five notices were served. Ongoing investigations are looking into these PoS with one under detailed scrutiny.
ATM Withdrawal Fraud: The operation also focused on ATM withdrawal fraud. 833 ATM transactions were verified, leading to 24 cases being registered. A total of ₹32,33,327 was blocked, and 58 cases are currently under enquiry.
Cheque-Based Fraud: 84 bank accounts were verified in connection with cheque-based fraudulent withdrawals. 15 cases were filed, nine notices served, and ₹13,94,124 blocked, with four accused arrested.
Dr. Naik emphasized that the operation exposed extensive interstate linkages, fraudulent SIM card issuance networks, and commission-based systems for opening mule bank accounts, as well as systematic ATM and cheque withdrawal fraud mechanisms.
Citizens are urged to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspected cyber fraud through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by dialing 1930.
The "Cyber-KAVACH" operation will continue with increased field verification, legal action, and advanced technological tracking to strengthen cyber security measures across Central Range.
