Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha Police have launched a comprehensive statewide special campaign called “Operation Cyber Kavach” in an effort to bolster cybersecurity and combat the growing number of cybercrimes. It targets major facilitators of cyber fraud, such as organized cybercrime syndicates, phony SIM cards, and anonymous or mule bank accounts.
DGP Y B Khurania gave strong instructions to eliminate these components by concerted enforcement when he announced the operation’s start earlier this week. For “Operation Cyber Kavach,” which will continue till February 27, special task teams have been established in each district under SPs and in the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate under DCPs.
One of the operation’s early triumphs was the significant discovery of a vast cyber fraud scheme by Balangir police. More than Rs 5 crore had been stolen out by scammers who had created bank accounts in the names of many people. Police confiscated 15 check books, mobile phones, swipe machines, 29 passbooks from various banks, and other incriminating evidence in the investigation, which also resulted in the arrest of two cybercriminals. Police in the Mayurbhanj district have filed a case in connection with cyber fraud including the use of mule bank accounts. Notices have been issued against the four defendants who have been identified thus far. To determine the responsibilities of additional individuals connected to the incident, more inquiry is being conducted.
Odisha Police has developed a targeted strategy in response to the growth of cybercrimes into interstate and international networks. This strategy includes identifying individuals who sell SIM cards in bulk using fictitious identification documents, locating ATMs and check withdrawal hotspots where fraudsters cash out their money, and working with different banking institutions to look into suspicious accounts. The DGP has advised people to avoid falling for such tricks and to never divulge private information, including OTPs, bank account information, ATM card numbers, and other sensitive data.
