Jharsuguda: In a swift display of cybercrime investigation, the Jharsuguda Cyber Crime & Economic Offences Police Station has arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly creating fake social media profiles of a minor girl and posting defamatory content. The accused was apprehended within 10 hours of the complaint being filed.
The case came to light on June 18, 2026, when a 14-year-old resident of Brajarajnagar lodged a complaint with the police. The minor alleged that an unidentified individual had created fake Instagram accounts using her photographs. The accused was reportedly posting objectionable and derogatory content on these profiles and using a mobile number to send threatening messages, with the intent to tarnish her reputation online.
Acting on the complaint, the police registered CC & EO PS Case No. 20/2026 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Jharsuguda Cyber Police, who conducted a rapid technical analysis and examined digital evidence. Their efforts led them to identify the accused as Ananda Rana (22), a native of Brahmanipali, Arjunapur, under the Tusura police limits in Balangir district.
Demonstrating professional efficiency, the police apprehended Rana within hours. During the operation, authorities seized a mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. Digital forensic evidence collected during the probe confirmed the accused’s role in creating the fake accounts and circulating offensive content targeting the minor.
The accused was produced before the Court of ADJ-cum-Special Court under the POCSO Act in Jharsuguda today.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safety of women and children in cyberspace, Jharsuguda Police has urged citizens to promptly report any instances of online harassment, impersonation, or misuse of social media platforms.
