A major online fraud has rocked Odisha, where thousands of people were allegedly duped through the “HUGE” app. Police sources confirmed that the scam amount is estimated to be more than ₹20 crore, and the case has now been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch.
The scam came to light after several residents of Naharana village in Jagatsinghpur district filed formal complaints. Authorities believe the fraud may have affected people across the state, not just in one region.
Nearly Four Lakh Investors Trapped
Preliminary findings suggest that close to four lakh individuals across Odisha invested their money in the app. In Jagatsinghpur alone, more than 3,000 residents, including youths, women, pensioners, and daily wage workers, were drawn into the scheme.
Police officials said the magnitude of the scam required a deeper probe, which prompted the transfer of the case to EOW. Locals expressed hope that the agency’s involvement may eventually lead to justice and potential recovery of funds.
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Unrealistic Returns Promised
The HUGE app reportedly started operations in November 2024. For nearly eight months, it functioned without raising suspicion. The app attracted investors with tempting offers:
- ₹200 daily income on a deposit of ₹5,500
₹10,000 monthly for those adding 12 new members
Around ₹2 lakh per month for recruiting 500–600 investors
Electronic appliances as rewards
Such promises persuaded many villagers to put in their savings, expecting steady returns.
App Shutdown Triggers Panic
The platform allegedly stopped working after August 20, sparking panic among investors. Users reported they could no longer access their accounts or withdraw money. Many rushed to file complaints at the Antapur Police Outpost.
Reports suggest that the closure coincided with the Centre’s recent crackdown on betting and illegal apps, which may have disrupted its operations.
With the EOW now handling the case, officials are expected to track down those behind the scheme and examine whether similar frauds are operating elsewhere in the state.