Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police on Sunday dismantled an inter-state cyber fraud gang, arresting 12 individuals involved in duping people of nearly Rs 20 crore. The accused include seven residents of Bihar, four from Kerala, and one local from Bhubaneswar. Preliminary investigations indicate that the notorious ‘Katri Sarai’ gang had been targeting citizens in northern and southern states for the past seven to eight years.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Accused and gang leadership
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bihar natives Debasish Tripathy (44), Bijay Kumar (24), Pintu Kumar (27), Sanjay Kumar Ray (42), Gunjan Kumar (40), Manish Kumar (20), Arjun Raj (22), and Pankaj Kumar (37). Kerala-based members include Ajay Raj (39), Santhroo V (25), Ajit M (28), and Sarath Sasi (25). Initial findings suggest that Debasish Tripathy and Pankaj Kumar were the masterminds behind the operations. Having connected a few years ago, they collaborated with cyber criminals from Kerala to carry out online fraud over several years.
Modus operandi of the gang
Police officials stated that the gang primarily defrauded victims through three methods:
1. Fake gift vouchers and lucky coupons: The gang sent counterfeit vouchers of various e-commerce platforms, claiming that victims had won large cash prizes or vehicles. They demanded Rs 5,000 to Rs 12,000 as registration fees to release the “prizes.”
2. Low-interest loan schemes: Victims were lured with promises of loans at lower interest rates and were asked to pay Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 as processing fees.
3. Kerala lottery scams: Fraudsters claimed that victims had won lottery prizes and demanded 10 percent of the supposed winnings, which could amount to up to Rs 10 lakh.
Police commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh said the gang was mainly operating from Debasish Tripathy’s residence. Debasish and Pankaj collected customer databases and mule bank account details from agents in Bihar and Kerala to transfer the swindled funds.
Evidence and seizures
During raids and arrests, police recovered 60 mobile phones, 2 laptops, an SUV, speed post stamps, and other materials. These items were reportedly used in facilitating and coordinating the cyber fraud operations.
Cybersecurity warning
Authorities have cautioned the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited investment or prize offers on WhatsApp and Telegram groups. Experts have highlighted that promises of unusually high returns, urgent payment demands, and requests for additional fees are key warning signs of online scams.
These cases underscore the increasing sophistication of online financial frauds and highlight how cyber criminals are operating across state boundaries to exploit investors and citizens. Police advised that prompt complaints to cybercrime helplines and preservation of digital evidence are crucial measures to prevent and investigate such crimes.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
