Bhopal, Oct 14 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh police office in Dewas district have arrested a cyber fraud accused from Bihar’s Katihar district, around 1,500 km away, for allegedly cheating a 62-year-old retired employee of Rs 6.03 lakh by posing as a bank official, police said on Wednesday.
The police seized Rs 5 lakh in cash from the accused’s residence during the operation conducted under Madhya Pradesh’s e-Zero FIR system, which aims to ensure swift action in cybercrime cases.
According to police, the accused and his associates contacted the retired employee, a resident of Dewas, posing as bank officials. They allegedly promised to update his pension card and help him obtain tax benefits, persuading him to transfer Rs 6.03 lakh through various channels.
Following a complaint, the Kotwali police registered a case and launched an investigation. A special team was formed under the direction of Dewas Superintendent of Police Punit Gehlot to trace the accused.
“The team analysed banking transactions, mobile numbers and other technical evidence before travelling to Katihar in Bihar and arresting the accused,” Dewas SP Punit Gehlot said on Wednesday.
During the investigation, the police recovered Rs 5 lakh in cash from a cupboard at the accused’s house.
Further examination of technical and other evidence indicated that the alleged key members of the cyber fraud network were linked to Jamtara in Jharkhand, police said.
The investigation is underway to identify other members of the alleged gang, trace their bank accounts and digital transactions, and recover the remaining amount.
The arrest is part of the district’s ongoing Operation Cyber, aimed at curbing online fraud and helping victims recover their money.
“Under the e-Zero FIR system, Dewas has registered 130 cases so far, arrested 26 accused and seized approximately Rs 98.52 lakh,” Gehlot said.
He stated that Madhya Pradesh Police were using technical evidence and coordination across states to identify cybercrime networks and take action against those involved in online fraud.
–IANS
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