In a major breakthrough, Odisha Police conducted a high-intensity operation to nab a gang involved in ATM fraud. The encounter took place near Kesura in Bhubaneswar’s Badagada police station area around 3 a.m. Acting on a tip-off, a special team from the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate launched the raid to apprehend the criminals. Upon spotting the police, the gang attempted to flee and opened fire. In response, police fired back in self-defense, injuring one of the prime suspects, 25-year-old Deepak Kumar from Bihar. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for medical treatment.

Two Gang Members Arrested

While Deepak Kumar was injured in the encounter, the police successfully apprehended two other members of the gang. So, two guys named Deepak Kumar Pande and Abhisekh Kumar Singh, both from Bihar, just got arrested. From what we’ve dug up so far, this gang had been running operations in different states like Odisha and Jharkhand for a few months. They managed to pull off scams on a bunch of ATM users, using some pretty clever tricks to take advantage of people who weren't paying attention.

The Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters

The gang was operating a well-planned ATM fraud scheme, which involved tricking people into giving up their ATM card information. Here’s how they executed their crimes:

ATM Card Slot Tampering: The criminals applied adhesive to ATM card slots, causing customers’ cards to get stuck in the machines after transactions.

Fake Helpline Numbers: The gang members placed fake customer service numbers near ATMs, posing as bank representatives.

Stealing Card Details: When victims called the number displayed, the fraudsters tricked them into revealing their PINs or other sensitive banking details.

Withdrawing Money Illegally: Once the customer left the ATM, the criminals retrieved the stuck card and withdrew money from the victim’s account.

Trail of Crimes Across States

Authorities confirmed that the gang had been in Puri for three days before being caught. While they were staying around, they managed to pull off a bunch of ATM scams, ripping off unsuspecting folks at the bank. It turns out they were also on the run in Ranchi for doing similar stuff, which just goes to show they’re part of a bigger gang of fraudsters working across state lines. The cops think there might be more people involved and are on the hunt to track down even more of the bad guys.

Seizure of Evidence and Weapons

During the operation, police recovered crucial evidence linking the gang to multiple fraud cases. The seized items included:

A country-made pistol used in the encounter

Several ATM cards from different banks

A vehicle used by the gang for their operations

Fake ID cards and mobile phones used for fraudulent activities

These items will serve as strong evidence in court as law enforcement agencies prepare to file charges against the arrested criminals.

How to Avoid ATM Frauds

In light of this incident, Odisha Police has issued an advisory urging the public to remain vigilant while using ATMs. Here are some crucial safety tips:

Use Only Bank-Approved Helpline Numbers: Always verify ATM helpline numbers through official bank websites or customer service centers.

Be Cautious of Strangers Offering Help: Avoid seeking assistance from strangers at ATMs and never share your PIN or card details.

Inspect the ATM Before Use: Check for any unusual devices attached to the card slot or keypad. If anything looks suspicious, avoid using that ATM and report it to the bank immediately.

Report Suspicious Activity: If your ATM card gets stuck, contact the bank’s official helpline instead of using any numbers displayed near the ATM.

Enable Transaction Alerts: Register your mobile number with your bank to receive SMS alerts for every transaction made using your card.

Police Investigation and Future Actions

Following the arrest of the three suspects, police have intensified their probe to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations. Authorities believe that more individuals may be involved in this organized crime network.

The arrested suspects are being interrogated to gather information about their connections, past crimes, and other potential members. Law enforcement agencies are also coordinating with police from other states to track down any remaining members of this fraud syndicate.

A Major Victory Against Financial Crime

The successful operation marks a significant victory for Odisha Police in their fight against financial fraud. The quick response and efficient strategy adopted by the police have not only led to the arrest of key criminals but have also prevented further financial losses for the public.

Authorities have assured that they will continue their crackdown on cybercrime and financial fraud. The police urge the public to remain cautious, follow safety protocols while using ATMs, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies. With stronger vigilance and public cooperation, such frauds can be effectively curbed in the future.