Odisha Youth Arrested For ‘Blackmail Using Minister’s Name'

Bargarh: A youth landed behind bars for allegedly blackmailing and extorting money using the name of Minister Sushant Singh. A team of Bargarh Police nabbed the accused Sushant Kumar Ranjit of Deogarh district from Jeypore, sources said.

As per reports, Ranjit had reportedly created a fake Facebook account and using some photographs of the minister, he used to threaten government officials and others.

Preliminary investigation reveals that Ranjit had collected nearly Rs 3 to 4 lakh by misusing the name of minister Sushant Singh who also happens to be a legislator from Bhatli Assembly constituency in Bargarh.

Bargarh SP Padmini Sahu informed that the accused mostly used to target people in Sundergarh, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur districts.

“Our probe reveals that Ranjit had used a SIM card which was procured through forged documents. He has confessed to have collected around Rs 3 to 4 lakh through such fraudulent means,” said Sahu.

Sahu further informed that three mobile phones, Aadhaar card, some documents and a bank passbook have been recovered from the accused, while further investigation is underway.