Police busts inter-state racket of mule bank accounts in Odisha, 3 held

During a raid, the STF also seized various incriminating materials such as mobile phones, pre-activated SIM cards, bank passbooks and Aadhaar cards. A case has also been registered in this regard under different sections of the Indian penal code and the Information Technology Act.

According to STF sources, the racket operates mainly in the tri-junction area of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, especially in the districts of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan.

As per the police investigation, the modus operandi of the gang is to offer Rs 2,000 per account to each person who gives documents to open the bank accounts. However, the mobile numbers linked with bank accounts are provided by the gang members. The rate of 2,000 per account also differs depending on the bargaining/awareness level of the villager.

The gang members sell mule bank accounts at the rate of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per account.