Cyber-KAVACH Special Drive against Cyber Financial Fraud
Cuttack: The Central Range Police, Cuttack, conducted a special enforcement drive titled “Cyber-KAVACH” from 13 February to 9 March 2026 across seven districts—Puri, Cuttack, Khordha, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Nayagarh—to curb cyber financial fraud, identify mule bank accounts, and detect fraudulent SIM issuance networks.
During the operation, police undertook extensive verification of suspected bank accounts linked to cyber fraud. A total of 9,782 suspected mule bank accounts were verified across the Central Range. Based on the findings, 339 new cases were registered and 1,366 notices were served to account holders and related persons. 31 accused persons were arrested and 26 cases were linked with previously registered FIRs, helping investigators trace broader cyber-fraud networks. Investigations revealed that many mule accounts were being operated across multiple states, indicating interstate linkages in cyber fraud operations. 
As part of financial disruption measures, ₹50,60,280 involved in suspicious transactions was blocked or frozen during the drive. Additionally, scrutiny of cash-out channels led to verification of 1,175 ATM withdrawals and 159 cheque withdrawals linked to suspected fraudulent accounts. Through timely coordination with banks and financial institutions, ₹32,33,327 from ATM withdrawals and ₹13,94,124 from cheque transactions were successfully blocked. 
The drive also focused on detecting Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent means. Twenty PoS outlets were identified for verification, with seven cases registered and five notices served, while several transactions remain under investigation. 
Central Range Police reaffirm their commitment to intensifying action against cybercriminal networks and urge citizens to remain vigilant. Victims of cyber financial fraud are advised to immediately report incidents by dialing 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
