Itkhedi police have uncovered an interstate cyber fraud gang led by Manish Patel, involved in transactions totaling Rs 1.50 crore across multiple states.
Authorities revealed that the illicit funds were routed through a bank account belonging to Manish Patel, which had previously been frozen in connection with other cybercrimes nationwide.
The gang’s arrest came after the rescue of Omprakash Verma, president of Rashtra Raksha Dal from Agra, who was lured to Bhopal under the pretext of transferring charity funds. Five gang members were apprehended, while Verma was safely freed.
The suspects, from various Bhopal districts, were reportedly renting accommodations in the Kolar area. Ashish Sapre, Itkhedi police station in-charge, said unusual cash transactions in Manish Patel’s account pointed to the gang’s extensive cyber fraud activities. Police are continuing investigations, noting that the full network will be revealed once the gang’s kingpin, Sanit Patel, is caught.
Manish Patel has 31 cyber fraud complaints filed against him in states including Delhi, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Victims were often lured with promises of donations or business opportunities, brought to Bhopal, and held hostage to access their bank accounts. Cash transfers were executed quickly, and victims were threatened or extorted before being released.
