Bhubaneswar: A youth was arrested by Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar on Friday for allegedly defrauding Rs 45,000 from several individuals by promising them jobs, transfers, and postings while falsely claiming close ties to political leaders, police said.
The accused, identified as Rahul Sahoo from Chhelia village under Kaniha police station limits in Angul district, was apprehended and presented in court, a statement by Bhubaneswar DCP said.
According to the statement, the arrest followed a complaint filed by Hiranmaya Patra (41), a resident of Sailashree Vihar, at the Capital Police Station on Thursday. Hiranmaya reported meeting Rahul at the State Guest House a few days earlier. Rahul had shown him photographs with various political leaders and assured him that he could secure a teaching position for Hiranmaya’s wife. In response, Hiranmaya transferred Rs 12,000 to Rahul through PhonePe.
In addition, another victim, Bhupendra Nial, was duped into paying Rs 15,000 via PhonePe for a promised transfer at Bhusan Steel Plant. A third person, Prakash Rout, handed over Rs 18,000 in cash to Rahul, expecting a job for his relative. When these individuals attempted to contact Rahul later, they found their numbers blocked, the statement said.
The investigation by the police has revealed that Rahul had used false promises of job placements and transfers to exploit his victims while boasting about his supposed connections with political figures. His scheme involved showing photos with political leaders to gain the trust of his victims and persuade them to part with their money.
The police arrested Rahul and charged him with cheating and deception, noting that he had extracted a total of Rs 45,000 from the three complainants. He was forwarded to court following his arrest, the statement added.
Police have seized screen shots of transaction to the accused through Phone Pe and blank cheque.
