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Rourkela Cyber Police have arrested a 35-year-old Mumbai-based banker for allegedly cheating a resident of nearly ₹6 lakh through a fraudulent traffic e-challan message sent on WhatsApp. Investigators have also identified links between the accused’s financial accounts and other cybercrime complaints reported across several states.
The accused, identified as Chetan Sharad Kurhade, was arrested in Mumbai and brought to Rourkela for further investigation.
How Did the Fake E-Challan Scam Work?
According to the complaint, the victim received a WhatsApp message around 10.30 pm on May 30, claiming to be an official traffic violation notice.
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The message instructed him to deposit ₹500 with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and contained a link that appeared connected to the payment process.
When the complainant clicked the link, his mobile phone reportedly froze. Suspecting something unusual, he checked his bank balance and discovered that six unauthorised UPI transactions had been carried out. The transactions resulted in a total debit of ₹5,99,588.53 from his savings account without his knowledge or consent.
How Was the Mumbai Banker Arrested?
Rourkela Superintendent of Police Nitesh Wadhwani said the accused was identified during an investigation into the fraudulent transactions.
Police examined the financial trail and obtained information from banks, payment intermediaries and other institutions. Investigators sought beneficiary account details, transaction statements, Know Your Customer (KYC) records and other relevant financial documents.
The inquiry revealed that the stolen money had allegedly been used to settle credit card bills associated with different banks. After tracing the credit card information and linked mobile numbers, a police team travelled to Mumbai and arrested Kurhade.
What Did Police Recover?
Kurhade, a resident of Parel under Kalachowki Police Station in Mumbai, was brought to Rourkela on a seven-day transit remand.
Police seized an iPhone 15 allegedly used in the crime, another mobile phone, four credit cards and a PAN card. The accused was subsequently produced before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate at Panposh, who remanded him to judicial custody.
Were Other Cyber Fraud Cases Linked?
Investigators verified the seized banking information through the Samanvaya Portal and identified connections to cybercrime complaints registered in several locations. According to police, bank accounts and credit cards associated with the accused were linked to complaints from Haryana, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
The suspected fraudulent transactions connected with these complaints involved approximately ₹18.7 lakh.
What Happens Next?
Rourkela Cyber Police are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals potentially involved in the suspected cybercrime network.
Investigators are also examining the movement of funds through various accounts to determine the wider financial links.
The case highlights how fraudulent traffic notices delivered through messaging applications can be used to deceive recipients and facilitate unauthorised financial transactions.
How to Avoid Fake E-Challan Scams
- Verify fines at echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
- Never click suspicious WhatsApp or SMS links.
- Avoid downloading unknown APK files.
- Never share OTPs, UPI PINs or banking passwords.
- Report fraud immediately by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
