Odisha Labourer Nabbed in Mumbai for Elaborate ATM Fraud Operation
A 35-year-old labourer from Odisha, who made occasional flights to Mumbai specifically to target and deceive ATM users, has been apprehended by the Dindoshi Police after a four-year manhunt. The accused, identified as Sambhav Kumar Acharya, was captured from a hotel in Naigaon, Palghar, where he had been residing.
Four Unsolved Cases Cracked with Arrest
With Acharya's detention, authorities have successfully resolved four previously unsolved cheating cases registered at Dindoshi, Kasturba Marg, Vanrai, and Kurar police stations. The most recent incident occurred on February 20 at an ATM located in Malad East.
Modus Operandi Targeting Vulnerable Senior Citizen
In this latest case, a 71-year-old senior citizen was attempting to withdraw money when Acharya approached him under the guise of offering assistance. Exploiting the situation, Acharya memorized the complainant's PIN number and surreptitiously exchanged his legitimate ATM card with a blank one. Subsequently, the elderly victim discovered that Rs 40,000 had been illicitly withdrawn from his bank account, prompting him to file an official police complaint.
Meticulous Police Investigation Leads to Breakthrough
A dedicated team from Dindoshi Police, led by Sub-Inspector Ajit Desai and supervised by DCP Mahesh Chimte and Senior Inspector Mahendra Shinde, meticulously reviewed their case files. They identified that the suspect's image captured on ATM center surveillance cameras matched that of a wanted criminal already in their records.
Extensive Surveillance Analysis
Investigators utilized an old mobile number linked to Acharya from their files, initiating a thorough analysis of phone records. Additionally, police scrutinized footage from approximately 60 to 70 cameras over the month preceding the crime to trace the accused's movements. This exhaustive effort revealed that Acharya frequently shuttled between Odisha and Naigaon.
Recovery of Evidence and Apprehension
Upon pinpointing his location at a local hotel, police moved swiftly to apprehend Acharya. During the arrest, authorities recovered 25 ATM cards and two mobile phones from his possession, further substantiating the allegations of fraudulent activities.
The arrest underscores the persistent efforts of Mumbai police in combating financial crimes and protecting citizens, particularly the elderly, from sophisticated scams. The case highlights the importance of vigilance at ATM centers and the effectiveness of coordinated police work in tracking down elusive criminals.
