Khammam/Sathupalli: The Sathupalli police in Telangana on Thursday arrested three more individuals in connection with a major cyber fraud case. The accused include CSB Bank Chandrugonda branch Customer Relations Officer (CRO) Orsu Krupa, Manda Srihari Babu, and Branch Operations Manager J. Radhakrishna.
According to police, Krupa and Radhakrishna are residents of Chandrugonda mandal, while Srihari Babu hails from Bayyannagudem village in Penuballi mandal, Khammam district. The three allegedly assisted Udathaneni Vikas Chowdary, Boppana Nagapriya, and CSB Bank Chandrugonda branch manager Akheel Abdul in carrying out the cybercrime. The First Information Report (FIR) for the case was recently registered at Sathupalli Police Station.
The accused have been booked under Sections 318 (4), 319 (2), 336 (3), 338 read with 3 (5) of the BNS, along with Section 66‑D of the IT Act. Authorities said special teams have been formed to apprehend the remaining accused, who are currently at large.
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Nature of the Cyber Fraud and Bank Connection
Preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested employees exploited internal bank processes to facilitate unauthorized transactions in customer accounts. Police said the gang would lure people through online platforms to transfer money, while colluding bank officials helped conceal the transactions.
Experts noted that such cases often arise due to weak internal monitoring and collusion within financial institutions. “The role and vigilance of banking staff is crucial, as their consent or negligence can enable large-scale cyber fraud,” said a cybercrime expert.
Police Action and Investigation Strategy
Recognizing the severity of the case, Sathupalli police have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Interrogations of the arrested suspects are ongoing, and their mobile phones, bank records, and digital transactions are being thoroughly examined. Police officials said all digital evidence is being analysed to determine the number of accounts and amounts involved in the fraudulent transfers.
“We are ensuring that all members of this gang and their networks are identified. The arrested suspects will help us trace other absconding accused,” a police source said.
Government and Banking Institution Vigilance
CSB Bank officials have taken cognizance of the matter and activated their internal audit team for an independent review. The bank stated that if any employee is found complicit, strict action would be taken against them. The bank is also issuing advisories to customers to remain cautious about cyber security and online transactions.
Experts point out that rising reliance on online banking and rapidly evolving cyber techniques are contributing to an increase in such cases. Banks and financial institutions are advised to continuously monitor employee activities and strengthen the security of digital transactions.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
Police clarified that the case will remain open until the investigation is complete and all remaining accused are apprehended. The probe will cover all aspects of cybercrime, internal collusion, and digital tracking. If allegations are proven, cases will be filed against both the arrested and absconding accused, who will then face the judicial process.
This Sathupalli cyber fraud case highlights the critical importance of security and vigilance in the banking system. Transparency in digital transactions and accountability of staff are key to preventing such crimes.
