Rourkela: Rourkela Police have busted an inter-state cyber fraud gang allegedly involved in defrauding people across the country by distributing a fake mobile application in the name of the PM-Kisan scheme. Four suspects have been arrested from Deoghar in Jharkhand, while one accused in the case had already been sent to jail. Investigators found that the gang allegedly circulated a fake APK file by claiming that it was required to access benefits or services related to the government scheme. Once victims installed the application, the accused allegedly used UPI accounts, ATM cards and QR codes to withdraw money from their bank accounts.
According to police, the preliminary investigation has established links between the gang and cyber fraud amounting to around ₹3.5 crore across different parts of the country. More than 31 cases registered at police stations in various locations are being examined for possible connections with the same network.
Fake APK circulated in the name of government scheme
The investigation revealed that the alleged cybercriminals had prepared an APK file using the name of the PM-Kisan scheme. Potential victims were reportedly made to believe that installing the application was necessary to receive government-related payments, services or other benefits.
After victims downloaded and installed the APK on their mobile phones, the accused allegedly gained access to information that could be used for financial fraud. They then reportedly used different channels, including UPI accounts, ATM cards and QR codes, to withdraw money from victims’ accounts.
Police are now examining how the application was distributed, how many people installed it and how many bank accounts were targeted through the operation.
Four suspects arrested in Deoghar
As the investigation progressed, a Rourkela Police team conducted an operation in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and arrested four suspects. They have been identified as Jyotish Verma, 25, son of Tilak Mahto and a resident of the Parvatpur police station area of Giridih district; Vikas Kumar Majhi, 29; Pradeep Kumar, 24; and Suraj Kumar, 24, all linked to Deoghar.
The name of Manish Kumar Yadav, 26, a resident of Deoghar, has also emerged in the investigation. Police had previously arrested one accused in connection with the case and sent him to jail. The latest arrests are expected to help investigators uncover the structure and working mechanism of the alleged cyber fraud network.
₹47 lakh worth of assets seized
During the arrests, police recovered ₹24,900 in cash from the suspects. Five mobile phones, five ATM cards, a Scorpio vehicle and other materials allegedly linked to the cyber fraud operation were also seized.
Police have additionally seized assets worth approximately ₹47 lakh associated with the accused. Investigators are now examining whether these assets were acquired using proceeds from cybercrime. Bank accounts and financial transactions are also being scrutinised to trace the movement of the allegedly defrauded money.
The digital evidence recovered from the seized mobile phones could provide information about the gang’s communication channels, financial handlers and other individuals involved in the operation.
Network linked to cases across the country
The investigation indicates that the alleged gang’s activities were not restricted to Rourkela or Jharkhand. Police have identified possible links with cyber fraud cases reported from different parts of the country. More than 31 cases registered at various police stations are being examined to determine whether they were connected to the same group.
Investigators are analysing the suspects’ mobile phones, bank accounts, ATM cards and digital communications. The focus is on identifying the people who allegedly developed or distributed the fake APK, those who arranged the bank accounts and those who handled the money withdrawn from victims.
Police are also trying to determine which states were most heavily targeted by the alleged gang. Analysis of digital evidence and financial records could reveal additional victims, transactions and members of the network.
Further arrests possible
The arrested suspects are currently being questioned, while forensic examination of the seized mobile phones and financial documents is underway. Investigators are attempting to establish the complete chain from the creation and distribution of the fake PM-Kisan APK to the withdrawal and transfer of funds from victims’ accounts.
Police have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses. The final extent of the alleged ₹3.5 crore fraud and the individual roles of the suspects will be established through the ongoing investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
