Cyber-KAVACH Drive: 36 Arrested, ₹50 Lakh Fraud Amount Blocked in Central Range
Cuttack: The Central Range Police have been conducting a sustained enforcement drive titled “Cyber-KAVACH” from February 13 to March 11, 2026, to combat cyber financial fraud, dismantle mule bank account networks, and identify illegal SIM card issuance across seven districts of the Central Range.
During the special drive, police teams verified 10,166 suspected mule bank accounts linked to ongoing cyber fraud investigations. Based on verification and financial trail analysis, 339 cases have been registered, 1,417 notices issued, and 36 accused persons arrested so far.
Authorities also succeeded in blocking ₹50,60,280 in suspicious transactions, preventing further financial losses to victims. Investigations revealed interstate links, with several suspicious bank accounts being operated from outside Odisha, indicating the presence of organised cyber-fraud networks.
As part of the operation, 208 bank accounts have been frozen, and several accounts connected to previously registered FIRs have been traced during the verification process.
Police teams also examined the role of Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent methods. A total of 20 PoS outlets were verified, resulting in seven cases being registered and five notices served. Further investigation into SIM issuance trails is currently underway.
Financial transaction patterns were analysed through ATM and cheque withdrawals as well. Authorities verified 1,502 ATM transactions, leading to the blocking of ₹32,33,327, while 171 cheque-linked accounts were examined, resulting in ₹13,94,124 being secured during the investigation.
The Central Range Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying action against cybercriminal networks and mule account operators. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report cyber fraud immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
