Hyderabad: Cyberabad police arrested a 31-year-old man in an OLX mobile fraud case after investigators linked him to 17 cases across Telangana during preliminary inquiries. Police estimated the suspected fraud losses at around ₹12.80 lakh, pending verification of financial transactions and case records.
The Raidurgam Police Station registered Crime No. 1067/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators also invoked Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Police identified the accused as Batthula Sriram, a native of Hanamkonda. According to the investigation, he also used the names Akhil and Manoj. Police said he worked in the IT sector and arrested him on 11-10-2026.
Investigators alleged that the accused posted advertisements for expensive smartphones on OLX using images downloaded from Google. The listings featured models such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
He allegedly contacted buyers using different mobile numbers and false identities. Police said he claimed to act as an intermediary and told customers that his brother owned the phones.
After buyers inspected the phones and paid, the accused allegedly switched off his mobile phone. As a result, customers could no longer contact him.
OLX mobile fraud case: Police identify 17 linked cases
Preliminary inquiries indicated that the accused used other people’s UPI IDs, QR codes and bank accounts to receive payments. Investigators also found that he deposited some money into his own bank account as cash.
According to police, the accused spent the suspected fraud proceeds on personal expenses and online betting. However, investigators are still examining the financial transactions to establish the exact amount involved.
Police listed 17 cases allegedly linked to the accused, including the Raidurgam case. The list included cases registered at Shamshabad, Vanasthalipuram, Siddipet One Town, Choppadandi, Petbasheerabad, Alwal, LB Nagar, Jeedimetla, Adibatla, Uppal, Madhapur, Gopalapuram and Suraram police stations.
The case numbers listed in the release were 461/2025, 1129/2025, 59/2026, 43/2026, 231/2026, 352/2026, 491/2026, 618/2026, 487/2026, 1040/2026, 1121/2026, 208/2026, 680/2026, 1067/2026, 1536/2026, 1843/2026 and 276/2026.
During the operation, police seized an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and a Realme GT 6T. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to establish the accused’s links to other cases and identify affected buyers.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police M. Sudarshan of Kukatpally Zone supervised the operation. Assistant Commissioner of Police C. H. Sridhar of Madhapur Division provided guidance, while Raidurgam Station House Officer T. Bhupathi advised the investigating team.
Detective Inspector K. Ramireddy and his team investigated the case. Subsequently, M. Sudarshan commended the inspector and the police personnel who assisted in the investigation.
Cyberabad police advised people to verify sellers’ identities, phone numbers and other details before buying or selling goods online. They also urged buyers to confirm payment details before transferring money to unfamiliar bank accounts or UPI IDs.
Police warned the public to remain cautious about advertisements offering expensive products at unusually low prices. Anyone affected by online financial fraud should call 1930 immediately or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at [https://cybercrime.gov.in](https://cybercrime.gov.in).