Interstate Cyber Fraud Gang Busted in Rourkela; Four Arrested From Jharkhand, ₹47 Lakh Frozen

Police uncover major cybercrime network allegedly operating across Odisha and Jharkhand; six mobile phones, five ATM cards and a car seized

ROURKELA  AUGUST 11, 2026: Rourkela Police have busted an alleged interstate cyber fraud network operating across Odisha and Jharkhand, arresting four persons from Jharkhand and freezing approximately ₹47 lakh linked to suspected fraudulent transactions.

The breakthrough came during an investigation into suspicious transactions involving a suspected mule bank account, leading investigators from Uditnagar Police Station to trace the alleged network beyond Odisha.

According to police, the four arrested persons have been identified as Bikash Manjhi (29), Pradeep Kumar (24), Suraj Kumar (24) and Manish Yadav (26), all reportedly from Deoghar district of Jharkhand. (Sambad)

₹47 Lakh Frozen, Electronic Devices Seized

Police said that during the operation, investigators seized a car bearing registration number JH-15AQ-7523, six high-end mobile phones, five ATM cards and ₹24,900 in cash.

In addition, around ₹47 lakh deposited in different bank accounts allegedly linked to the fraud network has been frozen, according to police.

The financial trail is now a key part of the investigation as police attempt to determine the total amount allegedly involved in the network’s operations.

Cyber Fraud Allegedly Carried Out Through Fake APK Files

Police investigations have reportedly revealed that the accused allegedly used malicious APK files disguised as RTO-related applications, e-challan applications and PM-Kisan-related applications.

These files were allegedly circulated from one mobile phone to another. When unsuspecting users downloaded or clicked on the malicious applications, the accused allegedly gained access to sensitive information and money was subsequently withdrawn or transferred from victims’ bank accounts.

The case highlights the growing threat posed by fraudulent mobile applications that imitate legitimate government services.

Momo Shop Allegedly Used as a Front

The investigation also led police to Jyotish Prasad Verma, a native of Giridih in Jharkhand, who was allegedly operating a momo business near City Super Bazaar in Rourkela.

Verma was arrested by Uditnagar Police on August 6, 2026, after investigators received information regarding suspicious financial transactions through a mule account.

Police said that Verma had allegedly been associated with the interstate cyber fraud network for around a year and was suspected of helping the network access bank accounts and facilitate financial transactions.

31 Criminal Cases Reportedly Registered Against Key Accused

According to police, 31 criminal cases have been registered against Verma at different police stations in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Investigators also reportedly found that accounts associated with the suspected network were being used for transactions involving approximately ₹40 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

Following his arrest, Uditnagar Police formed a special team and travelled to Jharkhand to identify and apprehend other alleged members of the network.

IP Tracking Helps Police Trace Suspects

The investigation reportedly involved tracking the digital trail and IP addresses associated with the suspected cybercrime activities.

Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the police team travelled to Jharkhand, traced the suspected accused and subsequently arrested four persons before bringing them to Rourkela for further investigation.

Rourkela Police Intensify Cybercrime Investigation

Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani provided details of the investigation during a press conference at the district police headquarters.

DSP Jatindranath Sethi and Uditnagar Police Station IIC Prabh Simran Singh were also present during the briefing.

Police are continuing the investigation to identify additional members of the alleged interstate network and establish the full extent of its operations.

How the Alleged Fraud Network Worked

The investigation indicates an alleged pattern in which:

• Fraudulent APK files were circulated to potential victims.
• The files were disguised as government-related applications.
• Victims were allegedly persuaded to download or open them.
• The malicious applications were allegedly used to facilitate unauthorised financial transactions.
• Bank accounts were allegedly used as mule accounts to receive or move suspected fraud proceeds.
• Investigators followed the digital and financial trails to identify suspects in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Cyber Safety Warning for the Public

The case is another reminder for mobile users to exercise extreme caution before installing applications received through unknown links, messages or social media platforms.

People should avoid downloading APK files from unofficial sources, even when the application appears to be related to RTO services, e-challans, government schemes or banking services.

Users should rely on official websites and verified application stores for government and financial services and should never share banking credentials, OTPs, PINs or other confidential information with unknown persons.

Investigation Continues

With four arrests, the freezing of ₹47 lakh and the seizure of electronic devices and other materials, Rourkela Police have made a significant breakthrough in the alleged interstate cyber fraud case.

However, investigators are now expected to focus on identifying the wider network, tracing the money trail and determining how many victims and bank accounts may have been involved.

The investigation remains underway.