A fraudster in Balasore was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly duping several youths of more than Rs 2 crore by falsely promising them to provide jobs in banks and other organisations.
The accused has been identified as Ramesh Padhi who is a resident of Soro area in the district.
As per police sources, Ramesh had collected Rs 3 lakh each from more than 50 persons with the false assurance of giving them jobs in banks and other government organisations. He had also collected money from others by falsely assuring them employment opportunities as petrol pump, kerosene, liquor dealers.
He was allegedly duping people by falsely introducing them as the relative of the Chief Secretary and close associate of the Collector. He was also showing fake orders from the High Court and fake official letters to cheat people.
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“The accused has collected Rs 3-4 lakh each from around 60 youths by giving them false assurances of providing jobs in banks and other organisations. He duped the job aspirants by falsely introducing himself as the close relative of the Chief Secretary and the Collector. He even showed fake orders from the High Court and letters from the Collector to dupe the youths,” said Debabrata Das, a victim.
“Ramesh took lakhs of rupees from us by falsely assuring us to provide the ownership of a wine shop. We sold our lands to give him money. However, nothing happened. He even threatened us not to disclose the matter before anybody,” said Arati Das, another victim.
Based on the complaints of the victims, Soro police arrested Ramesh who has academic qualifications only up to fifth class.
“By giving false assurances and showing false official letters, the accused had duped several vulnerable youths. Based on the complaints of the victims, Ramesh has been arrested. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway,” said Balasore Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sasanka Sekhar Beura.