Cuttack, Odisha: In a major breakthrough, Odisha police arrested two notorious fraudsters, Manoj Kumar Sahu and Pradip Kumar Sahu, who had been orchestrating a sophisticated ATM card-swapping scam targeting senior citizens across multiple districts.
The scam involved deceiving elderly individuals at ATM kiosks under the guise of offering help, and then swiftly swapping their ATM cards. The duo used the stolen cards to withdraw large sums before the victims realised what had happened.
The arrest was made by Athagarh Police after shopkeepers tipped off authorities about suspicious behavior at a local ATM. The suspects were caught red-handed in possession of Rs3,10,000 cash, 93 grams of gold, several ATM cards, and mobile phones linked to the fraudulent operations.
The police revealed that the scam spanned multiple regions including Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, and Kandarpur, with over Rs6,04,015 stolen from victims since January 2025. The stolen money was often used to purchase gold, which was recovered during the raid.
Led by IIC Kshitish Kumar Nayak and under the guidance of Cuttack SP Prateek Singh, the operation marks a critical step in dismantling the ATM fraud network. Police also confirmed multiple FIRs across Odisha linked to the arrested duo.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify additional members of the gang. The Odisha Police have issued a public advisory urging citizens, especially the elderly, to exercise caution while using ATMs.
