Cyber-KAVACH Drive: Central Range Police Cracks Down on Cyber Fraud Networks

Cuttack: The Central Range Police have intensified their crackdown on cyber financial fraud through a special enforcement drive titled “Cyber-KAVACH”, conducted across seven districts of Odisha between February 13 and March 7, 2026.

The operation was carried out in Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Khordha and Nayagarh, focusing on identifying mule bank accounts, illegal SIM card issuance and suspicious financial transactions linked to cybercrime networks.

During the drive, police teams verified 9,254 suspected mule bank accounts believed to be connected with cyber fraud activities. Based on the findings, 338 new cases were registered, 1,322 notices were issued, and 24 accused persons were arrested across different districts.

Investigations revealed that several of these bank accounts were used to transfer and receive funds obtained through cyber fraud. Officials also found that many of the accounts were being operated from locations outside Odisha, indicating the involvement of inter-state cybercrime networks.

As part of financial intervention measures, authorities blocked ₹50.60 lakh linked to suspicious transactions. Further analysis identified 1,073 ATM withdrawal instances connected to cyber fraud, leading to the blocking of ₹32.33 lakh. In addition, cheque-based withdrawals amounting to ₹13.94 lakh were also detected and acted upon.

The enforcement drive also targeted Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent means. Police teams verified 20 PoS outlets, registered seven cases, and several individuals are currently under verification and investigation.

Officials said investigations indicate that many mule bank accounts were opened by individuals who were paid small commissions, pointing to the existence of organised cyber fraud networks operating across multiple states.

The Central Range Police stated that such enforcement drives will continue with the help of financial intelligence-based investigations to dismantle cybercrime networks. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report cyber fraud immediately through the national helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.