Bhubaneswar: A woman allegedly linked to the notorious Jamtara cyber fraud gang was among six persons arrested by Barbil police in connection with a robbery case that later exposed a cyber fraud network operating in Kendujhar district.
The woman, identified as Chandrabati Patra from the Thakurani area, was allegedly linked to the Jamtara cyber fraud gang.
According to police, Patra purchased stolen mobile phones and used them to access victims’ banking applications and carry out fraudulent transactions. The investigation revealed a possible connection between the accused and the Jamtara-based cyber fraud network in Jharkhand.
The case came to light after a truck driver lodged a complaint on June 4, alleging that he was attacked by a group of men armed with sharp weapons near Raida Chhak. The attackers allegedly snatched his mobile phone and cash before fleeing the spot.
During the investigation, police found that the stolen mobile phone was later used to access the victim’s UPI and banking applications. More than Rs 1 lakh was allegedly transferred from his bank account through fraudulent transactions, prompting police to launch a detailed probe.
The investigation led police to Chandrabati Patra. During a search of her residence, officers recovered 12 mobile phones, 24 bank passbooks and 26 SIM cards, police said.
Barbil SDPO Debendra Nath Pingua said the investigation revealed that stolen mobile phones were being sold to Patra, who allegedly used them for cyber fraud activities.
“During the investigation, we found that stolen mobile phones were being sold to Chandrabati Patra. She is an expert in cyber fraud, and we also found her links with the Jamtara gang. The gang used stolen phones to access UPI and banking applications and withdraw money from victims’ accounts,” Pingua said.
Police also arrested five other accused persons while they were allegedly planning a dacoity in the Joda area. Weapons were recovered during the operation.
The police are now investigating the wider network and trying to ascertain whether the accused were involved in other robbery and cyber fraud cases across the state.
