Odisha Crime Branch Cracks Down on Investment Fraud, Arrests Three Across States
Bhubaneswar: In a major breakthrough under Operation Cyber Kavach, the Odisha Crime Branch Cyber Police arrested three individuals in separate investment fraud cases involving fake trading platforms.
In the first case, Prins Raj (31) from Begusarai, Bihar, was apprehended for duping a victim of Rs 2.06 crore through WhatsApp groups offering stock tips.
Between December 2024 and March 2025, the victim transferred funds across 54 transactions, only to be blocked by a fake “risk control team.” Police seized mobile phones and SIM cards, and Raj was remanded to Bhubaneswar.
In another case, Himansu Prasad Karna and his wife, Sailendri Karna from Angu,l were arrested for defrauding a victim of Rs 1.55 crore.
The couple lured the victim into WhatsApp groups, promising high returns and funnelling money into seven accounts linked to them. Investigators seized 17 cheque books, 10 passbooks, mobile phones, and SIM cards.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against unsolicited investment offers on social media and WhatsApp, advising verification of platforms before investing.
Victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Cyber Helpline (1930) or local police stations.
