Bhubaneswar, Sept 1: In a significant breakthrough, the Cuttack Cyber Police on Monday arrested a former Army personnel for allegedly masterminding a massive online scam that defrauded thousands of people across Odisha of nearly Rs 20 crore. The accused, identified as Parthasarathi Das of Rajendra Nagar in Badambadi, Cuttack, was apprehended from Chandipur in Balasore after an intensive cyber investigation.

Police officials revealed that Das had developed and circulated an Android APK application named Huge App through social media platforms. The app promised users lucrative returns in exchange for depositing around Rs 16,500, with added commissions for liking YouTube videos and referring new members. Initially, a few payments were released to create a façade of legitimacy, but later the app stopped functioning and withdrawals were blocked.

Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said Das continued to mislead victims by demanding additional deposits to “reactivate” accounts. Complaints eventually surfaced in both urban and rural areas, prompting a probe.

Using digital footprints, including mobile numbers and IP addresses, police traced and arrested Das. Investigators believe others may be involved, and further inquiry is underway.

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