The Odisha Crime Branch Cyber Police has arrested a man in connection with a major online investment fraud in Bhubaneswar, in which a victim was cheated out of over ₹2 crore through fake trading schemes promoted on social media and messaging platforms. The case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams targeting individuals with promises of unrealistic profits.
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Arrest in ₹2 Crore Investment Scam
Police arrested 42-year-old Manoranjan Rout, a trading consultant residing in the Hanspal area of Bhubaneswar, after a detailed probe linked him to a scam that defrauded a 52-year-old employee of an IT company. The Crime Branch began its investigation following a complaint lodged by the victim with the cyber cell on October 14, 2025, alleging that fraudsters had duped him by luring him into bogus investment schemes.
The victim was reportedly added to an online group on social and instant messaging platforms, where fraudsters promoted multiple fraudulent trading platforms and promised high and guaranteed returns within a short period. Trusting their claims, he transferred money totalling ₹2,01,50,000 (approx. ₹2.01 crore) into various accounts controlled by the accused between July and September 2025.
Digital Evidence and Investigation
Investigators analysed digital evidence, transaction records, and communication patterns to trace the flow of funds and narrows down on Manoranjan Rout as the prime suspect. Based on digital leads, they conducted a raid at his residence, leading to his arrest. During the search, police seized mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital devices believed to have been used in executing the scam.
Rout was produced before the SDJM Court in Bhubaneswar, and his bail plea was reportedly denied, with the court placing him in judicial custody pending further proceedings.
Charges and Legal Action
The Cyber Police have registered the case under several relevant provisions, including:
- Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) dealing with cheating, dishonesty, fraud, and criminal conspiracy, and
- Sections 66-C (identity theft) and 66-D (cheating by personation) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Officials said they are continuing investigations to identify possible accomplices, trace all bank accounts involved, and recover the defrauded money. They are also scrutinising whether similar frauds were run using the same modus operandi or networks of accounts.
Public Warnings and Cyber Safety Advice
Police have reiterated warnings to the public about unsolicited investment opportunities advertised on social media and messaging apps. They emphasise that fraudsters often use professional-sounding names, fake testimonials, and false guarantees of returns to lure victims into transferring money.
Authorities stressed that no legitimate investment platform can guarantee unrealistic profits in short periods, and urged citizens to verify the credentials of such platforms through official financial regulators before committing funds. Anyone encountering suspicious offers or experiencing financial deceit should report immediately via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or call the cyber helpline at 1930.
Cybercrime experts also recommend caution when joining online groups for financial advice, always checking the authenticity of apps and websites, and never sharing personal or banking details with unverified sources.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
