Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch Cyber Police have registered and are investigating a major online investment fraud involving a fake trading platform, in which a victim was allegedly cheated of over ₹2.01 crore.
According to the Crime Branch, unidentified cyber fraudsters initially contacted the victim through social media and later added him to a WhatsApp group. The accused lured the victim into investing in multiple fraudulent trading applications, including RCL-PMA, FIVEMAX, 5 PAISA V10705, and TRADERS HUB, by promising high and assured returns.
Believing the false assurances, the victim transferred a total amount of ₹2,01,50,000 to various bank accounts linked to the fraudsters.
Following the registration of the case, an investigating team led by Inspector Bijit Kumar Behera analysed bank transaction trails and other digital evidence. Acting on the findings, the Cyber Police conducted a crackdown in Bhubaneswar and successfully identified and arrested Manoranjan Rout (42).
The accused is the son of Adikanda Rout and a resident of Flat-103, Block-C, Phase-III, Metro Satellite City, Hanspal, Balianta, Hanspal, Khurda district. During the arrest, police seized several incriminating materials from his possession, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices.
Manoranjan Rout was produced before the SDJM, Bhubaneswar, and booked under Sections 318(2), 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 61(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The Crime Branch has urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media and messaging platforms. People are advised to verify the authenticity of investment schemes before transferring money and to report cyber frauds immediately by calling the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline or approaching the nearest police station.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
