Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 1: In Mumbai, police have arrested a 35-year-old labourer, Sambhav Kumar Acharya, who allegedly travelled from Odisha to carry out ATM-related frauds. The arrest was made by the Dindoshi Police after the accused remained absconding for nearly four years.

Acharya was apprehended from a hotel in Naigaon, where he had been staying. His arrest has helped crack four pending cheating cases registered across multiple police stations, including Dindoshi, Kasturba Marg, Vanrai, and Kurar.

The most recent case dates back to February 20, when a 71-year-old man was duped at an ATM in Malad East. According to police, Acharya approached the elderly victim under the pretext of offering assistance. During the interaction, he memorised the victim’s PIN and cleverly swapped his ATM card with a blank one. The victim later discovered that ?40,000 had been withdrawn fraudulently and filed a complaint.

Investigators, led by sub-inspector Ajit Desai and supervised by DCP Mahesh Chimte and senior inspector Mahendra Shinde, reviewed CCTV footage and existing records. The suspect’s image matched that of a previously wanted individual. Police also analysed his old mobile number and tracked his movements by scanning footage from nearly 60 to 70 cameras over a month.

Their investigation revealed that Acharya frequently moved between Odisha and Naigaon. Acting on this information, police traced him to his hotel and arrested him. During the operation, officers recovered 25 ATM cards and two mobile phones from his possession.