Baleshwar: A woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly duping several villagers of around Rs 12 lakh by promising higher returns on their investments in Velora village under Basta police station limits in Baleshwar district.
The accused, identified as Sanjukta Jena, a resident of Velora village, was allegedly absconding for the past three years after collecting money from villagers.
According to reports, Sanjukta had allegedly collected around Rs 12 lakh from villagers by assuring them of providing 5% additional interest on their deposits. After receiving the money, she reportedly vacated her rented house, switched off her mobile phone and fled from the area.
The matter came to light again on Saturday when Sanjukta visited the Odisha Gramin Bank for KYC verification. A villager who spotted her at the bank recognised her and informed others.
Following this, local residents detained her and alerted the police. A team from Basta police station reached the spot and took her into custody.
Police have started an investigation into the case and are verifying the allegations and details of the financial transactions.
