The Cyber and Economic Offences Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly cheating a resident of the City of Rs89,699 through a fraudulent lottery scheme. The arrested accused have been identified as Nigamananda Kar (30) and Dharmananda Dhal (31).
During the raids, police seized several items, including mobile phones, fake lottery coupon cards, WhatsApp chat printouts, an iPhone, a Honda Dio scooter, and a prepaid debit card.
According to the complaint, the fraud occurred on November 2, 2025, when an unidentified man visited the complainant’s Unit-II government quarter, introducing himself as Rajendra Tripathy from Manibaba Electronics, Bapuji Nagar. He convinced the complainant to buy a Rs100 scratch coupon.
After scratching the coupon, the complainant was told he had won an induction cooker, but when he chose a laptop worth Rs52,400 instead, the fraudster persuaded him to pay Rs26,200 instantly, promising that the balance could be paid in 12 interest-free instalments.
The scammer then sent a fake credit message, falsely claiming the full amount had already been received. Misled, the complainant paid more money. The fraudsters repeatedly called him, insisting they had not received the payments. In total, he transferred Rs89,699 through five transactions into different bank accounts.
Police scrutinised bank statements, WhatsApp messages, scratch cards, and fabricated banking screenshots, confirming that the complainant had been duped. The investigation also revealed that the duo had been roaming residential colonies, especially targeting senior citizens, selling fake Rs100 lottery coupons and promising lucrative electronic prizes.
During interrogation, both accused confessed to running the scam. They have been forwarded to court, and police are working to identify more victims and other members of the fraud racket.
