Bhubaneswar Trading Consultant Arrested in Major Rs 2 Crore Cyber Fraud Case
The Odisha state crime branch made a significant breakthrough on Friday by arresting a city-based trading consultant for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated cyber fraud that duped a 52-year-old IT company employee of Rs 2 crore. The arrest highlights the escalating threat of online financial scams targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms.
Accused Identified as Key Orchestrator of Fraudulent Scheme
The arrested individual has been identified as Manoranjan Rout, 42, a resident of the Hansapal area in Bhubaneswar. According to police officials, Rout played a pivotal role in designing and executing the elaborate fraud that exploited the victim's trust with promises of unusually high returns within short timeframes.
Investigators revealed that the fraudulent operation was primarily conducted through social media platforms and instant messaging applications, demonstrating how cyber criminals are increasingly leveraging digital communication tools to reach potential victims.
How the Multi-Crore Scam Unfolded
The case came to light when the victim, an employee of an IT company, filed a formal complaint with the cyber cell of the crime branch on October 14, 2025. In his complaint, he detailed how unidentified cyber fraudsters initially contacted him through a social media platform before adding him to a dedicated messaging group.
Within this group, multiple members systematically convinced the victim to invest in various financial schemes, consistently assuring him of high and guaranteed returns on his investments. Trusting these seemingly legitimate claims, the victim proceeded to transfer a staggering Rs 2.01 crore through multiple transactions between July and September of the previous year.
The funds were directed to several bank accounts that investigators have since linked to the fraudsters operating the scheme.
Police Investigation Leads to Arrest and Seizure
Following a comprehensive investigation that meticulously traced the transaction trail and analyzed digital evidence, crime branch officials successfully identified Rout as a central figure in the fraud network. A coordinated raid conducted in Bhubaneswar resulted in his arrest, with police confirming that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the criminal racket.
Smit Parmar, SP of the crime branch, provided details about the operation, stating, "Following a detailed probe into the transaction trail and digital evidence, investigators zeroed in on Rout. A raid was conducted in Bhubaneswar, leading to his arrest. Efforts are on to identify others involved in the racket."
During the arrest, police seized substantial incriminating materials including mobile phones, SIM cards, and various digital devices that were allegedly used to facilitate the fraudulent activities. Rout was subsequently produced before a local court, which rejected his bail application and remanded him to judicial custody.
Growing Menace of Cyber Fraud and Police Advisory
Police officials emphasized that this case exemplifies the growing menace of cyber fraudsters who systematically exploit people's trust while luring them with unrealistic promises of quick profits. The sophisticated use of social media and messaging applications has created new avenues for criminals to target individuals who may be less vigilant about online financial offers.
SP Smit Parmar issued a stern warning to the public, stating, "Fraudsters are increasingly using social media and messaging apps to target unsuspecting individuals. People must remain cautious and avoid falling prey to such schemes. No legitimate financial institution guarantees doubling of investments in such short periods."
In light of rising cybercrime cases across the region, police have reiterated crucial safety measures for citizens:
- Always verify the authenticity of investment offers before transferring any funds
- Report suspicious financial activities immediately to authorities
- Utilize the dedicated 1930 cyber helpline for reporting cyber fraud incidents
- Contact the nearest police station if you suspect fraudulent activity
- Maintain heightened awareness about too-good-to-be-true investment promises
The police emphasized that public cooperation remains crucial in preventing such sophisticated financial frauds, particularly as cyber criminals continue to develop more elaborate methods to deceive potential victims through digital platforms.
