Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has intensified its statewide crackdown on cybercrime under the special drive ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’. The campaign continues across districts with focused action against mule and benami bank accounts used in online fraud.
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania is personally monitoring the operation. District SPs and DCPs are supervising local cybercrime units to ensure swift action.
Police have verified 13,976 mule and benami bank accounts across Odisha so far, the State Police Headquarters said in a press release.
Officers have registered 531 cyber cases linked to mule accounts. They have also filed 20 cases related to ATM withdrawals and 20 cases linked to cheque withdrawals. Police have registered 12 cases involving fake SIM cards and PoS misuse.
Investigators have arrested 255 accused persons during the drive. Authorities have issued legal notices to 3,453 suspected account holders and associates in connection with new cases and 130 old FIRs.
Several districts have reported significant action. Puri Police verified 588 accounts, registered seven cases, and arrested four accused. Khordha Police filed cases linked to mule banking, ATM withdrawals, and fake SIM operations. Mayurbhanj Police verified 238 accounts and registered four cases. Sambalpur Police examined 443 accounts and registered one case.
Bhubaneswar (UPD) Police verified 114 accounts, arrested four accused, and issued multiple notices. Bargarh, Boudh, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur districts also reported arrests during the operation.
The Odisha Police continues to target financial networks that support cyber fraud. The department aims to dismantle mule banking chains and prevent digital payment misuse.
Khurania has stated that the force will further intensify ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’ in the coming days. The department remains committed to protecting citizens from cybercrime and securing digital transactions across the State.
