In a major move to curb cyber crime, Odisha Police has intensified its statewide campaign titled ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’. The special drive focuses on identifying and dismantling mule and benami bank accounts that are used to transfer fraudulent funds. During the latest crackdown, police examined 73 suspicious accounts, registered 3 new cyber crime cases and arrested 6 accused persons. Notices were also issued to 51 suspected account holders seeking explanations for doubtful transactions.
Officials said mule accounts form the financial backbone of cyber fraud networks. Fraudsters often use bank accounts of unsuspecting individuals in exchange for small commissions. The cheated money is first routed through these accounts and then layered across multiple transactions to avoid detection. Recognising this pattern, the police have shifted their strategy from only targeting call centre operators to disrupting the financial supply chain that enables cyber crime.
The operation involved coordinated action across several districts. In Boudh, 45 benami accounts were verified, 1 new case was registered and notices were issued to 45 individuals. In Malkangiri, 20 suspicious accounts were examined and 1 case was registered. In Sundergarh, 2 accounts were probed and links to earlier cases resulted in 6 arrests. In Cuttack UPD, 6 mule accounts were checked, notices were sent to 6 persons and 1 new case was registered. The drive was conducted under the supervision of senior police officers, with SPs, DCPs and district cyber teams working together.
The 51 individuals who received notices have been directed to clarify the nature of transactions in their accounts. Failure to provide satisfactory responses may lead to legal action. Authorities are reviewing banking trails, mobile numbers, KYC documents and digital evidence to determine accountability. Police said effective control of cyber crime requires blocking the flow of illegal funds. As part of this broader strategy, suspicious accounts are being identified, frozen and examined. Citizens have been advised not to share bank details, ATM cards or OTPs and not to allow their accounts to be used for commission. The campaign will continue in the coming weeks to strengthen digital transaction security across the state.
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