Bhubaneswar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police on Saturday arrested Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Dillip Kumar Nayak on charges of duping a Cuttack-based businessman of over ₹12.42 crore under the guise of investments in real estate projects and land deals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Nayak, a resident of Jhanjiri Mangala under Badambadi police limits in Cuttack, had contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Nimapara as a BJD candidate against current Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.
The complainant, Bijay Kumar Rout of Ranihat Malisahi in Cuttack, initially lodged a complaint at Badambadi Police Station, which was later transferred to the EOW. A formal case was registered on September 19.
According to the investigation, between 2015 and 2017, Nayak allegedly took ₹3 crore from Rout on the pretext of real estate investments. In 2018, he again collected ₹4 crore, promising a plot at Bajrakabati in Cuttack, but failed to deliver. He later induced Rout to pay an additional ₹3.42 crore for a land at Patia, which also never materialized.
EOW further revealed that Nayak took ₹3 crore, including ₹1 crore from Rout’s wife, to float a company. Except for returning ₹1 crore, he allegedly defaulted on the rest.
In 2021, Nayak reportedly persuaded Rout to invest ₹3.5 crore for five acres of land at Trisulia. Instead of transferring ownership, Nayak registered himself as a joint owner and later clandestinely sold 2.5 acres without Rout’s knowledge.
During a raid on Nayak’s residence, the EOW seized incriminating documents, including sale deeds, powers of attorney, agreements, and multiple bank account details.
Police said further investigation is underway to trace the money trail and identify possible accomplices.
