Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested a woman involved in an investment fraud case, where the victim lost Rs 87 lakh.
The accused has been identified as Vandana Bawa, a resident of South Delhi. The victim, a private firm employee, lives in the Sailashree Vihar area of Bhubaneswar.
According to an official press release, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group called “101 Stock Discussion Group,” which was led by a person claiming to be a professor, along with other associates.
The fraudsters promised to provide stock trading tips, IPO guidance, and investment strategies. They convinced the victim to register on two fake web links. Trusting the fraudsters, the victim deposited Rs 87 lakh into several bank accounts, including those in IndusInd Bank and PNB, through multiple transactions.
Believing it was a legitimate investment opportunity, the victim transferred his hard-earned money.
A team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Ritesh Kumar Mohapatra analyzed the transaction details and digital evidence. They traveled to New Delhi, where they confirmed the details and arrested Vandana Bawa from her residence in South Delhi.
The accused has been taken to the local court in Saket, New Delhi, and will be brought to Odisha under transit remand.
The police have seized important evidence, including a mobile phone, two Indian SIM cards, an Aadhar card, and a PAN card.
The investigating officers have also frozen several bank accounts linked to the fraudsters. They managed to recover Rs 10 lakh and refunded it to the victim.
Further investigation revealed that the same bank accounts are involved in two other cyber crimes in Kerala and Gujarat.
The police have urged citizens to be cautious about unsolicited investment offers they receive on social media and messaging apps.
They are advised to verify the authenticity of such offers before investing to avoid falling victim to cyber fraud. Anyone facing similar issues can report them at the 1930 Cyber Helpline or at the nearest police station.
