Cyber Kavach Drive: Odisha Police Scrutinise Over 31,000 Mule Accounts

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on cybercrime networks, the Odisha Police have intensified their statewide drive under ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, targeting mule (benami) bank accounts used to channel money obtained through online frauds.

The operation, launched under the direction of Director General of Police YB Khurania, focuses on dismantling financial networks that support cybercriminal activities such as digital arrest scams, fraudulent investment schemes, and phishing attacks.

District Cyber Crime Units across the state, working under the supervision of Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), are leading the campaign. The teams are identifying suspicious bank accounts, freezing illegal transactions, and initiating strict legal action against individuals involved in facilitating such activities.

According to Odisha Police, 31,498 mule or benami bank accounts have been verified across the state so far. The verification has led to the registration of 1,090 cases related to mule accounts, along with 34 cases linked to ATM withdrawals, 35 cases involving cheque withdrawals, and 23 cases connected to fake SIM cards or Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices used in cyber frauds.

During the drive, police have arrested 328 accused persons and issued legal notices to 6,532 suspected account holders and accomplices linked to 183 new and previously registered First Information Reports (FIRs).

The crackdown has also yielded notable results in several districts. In Puri, police verified one benami account, registered one case, and arrested three accused persons. In Rourkela, 22 accounts were verified, resulting in three mule account cases and one cheque withdrawal case, while notices were issued to three individuals.

In Bhubaneswar Urban Police District, a case involving 12 benami accounts was registered, leading to one arrest and notices issued to four individuals. Meanwhile, Cuttack UPD registered a case related to cheque cashing.

Other districts also reported progress under the drive. Nayagarh verified 82 accounts and issued notices to 30 individuals, while Balangir verified six accounts. Subarnapur checked 80 accounts, Balasore 33, Bhadrak 26, and Mayurbhanj verified 20 accounts with notices served to 18 individuals.

Similarly, Berhampur verified 80 accounts and issued notices to 80 individuals linked to two earlier FIRs. Boudh verified seven accounts and issued notices to all seven holders, while Ganjam checked 11 accounts. Kalahandi verified 124 accounts and issued notices to four individuals. Koraput verified 23 accounts, Malkangiri six, and Nuapada verified 119 accounts during the drive.

DGP YB Khurania reaffirmed that the Odisha Police remain committed to strengthening cyber security and protecting citizens from online fraud. He stated that Operation Cyber Kavach will be further intensified with stronger coordination and proactive measures to ensure a safer digital environment across the state.