Tarang's OTT series on Odisha chit fund scam garners viewer acclaim

A series on the chit fund, drawing attention to the notorious Rs 500 crore scam that rocked Odisha, has been garnering wide viewer support in the State. The series is now being aired on Tarang Plus, a popular regional channel, on its over-the-top (OTT) platform.

The series 'Cheat Fund' explores the intricate web of deceit, political affiliations, and the devastating impact of fraudulent schemes on ordinary citizens.

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This gripping series reveals how unsuspecting families were led astray by false promises, eventually losing their life savings to unscrupulous companies. This infamous financial deception shattered public trust and left many impoverished, as companies preyed on people’s faith with cunning tactics.

Set against the backdrop of a large-scale financial scam from the 1990s that peaked in 2014, the OTT series 'Cheat Fund' delves into the lives of affected families across remote Odisha, documenting their despair and the fraudulent operations of middlemen.

According to sources, viewers will experience tense moments across its eight episodes, as the series lays bare the political backing from certain influential quarters that allowed these firms to flourish unchecked.

The complicity of political figures and officials during the time is highlighted, with ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiries still seeking justice for those who lost their hard-earned money and got shattered dreams instead.

The series captures personal tales, including that of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who himself fell victim to the alleged schemes. 'Cheat Fund' represents the first portrayal of this enormous financial fraud in an Odia language web series, showcasing untold events that underpinned the scandal.

Must Read: Twice fell victim to chit fund scam, didn’t get any refund: Odisha CM

The CM openly shared his experiences on December 24 last year of being a victim of the chit fund scam twice in the past. Speaking at a National Consumer Day event, the CM recounted how he lost money to fraudulent schemes in 1990 and 2002.

“I am too a victim. We were trapped in such situations when we were lured by handsome profits. We thought at that time, it would be a wonderful opportunity to invest,” the CM stated on the occasion of National Consumer Rights Day.