Commissionerate Police on Sunday arrested one more accused, who was part of a major blackmailing gang allegedly run by Irani Patra and her husband. The latest one to be arrested has been identified as Debananda Jena who was the friend of Irani Patra’s husband Nishikant.
The accused Irani Patra along with her associates have allegedly duped many people of crores of rupees by honey trapping and blackmailing them.
Inspector-in-charge of Tamando Police Station, Subhrakant Jena said, “As per the statements of the victims, the blackmailing gang used to ask them to bring biryani and liquor. After robbing the victims, the gang used to party at the rented house.”
Jena further said that the Commissionerate Police has sought a five-day remand of Irani Patra’s husband to ascertain more details. So far, four cases have been registered and further investigation in connection with the cases is underway, police said.
“It is around 15-20 days that the gang was targeting people. All the accused, as per the statements of the victims, have been arrested. Only after Irani’s husband is brought on remand, more details can be ascertained,” said Jena.
Police sources said that the gang used to send friend requests on Facebook and used to loot them after chatting with them.
“We have seized mobile phones and it is suspected that the gang used to delete chats after committing the crime. The seized phones will be sent for examination,” police added.