Depositors duped of crores in Balasore, Bhadrak

Balasore/Bhadrak: A complaint has been filed against a private firm for duping depositors of crores of rupees in Balasore and Bhadrak districts.

People of Bhaskarganj and Soro in Balasore and Bhadrak have brought such allegations against a firm - Hi-Tech Regional Cooperative, which started operations in the area in 2011.

As per the complaint filed by some depositors with Sahadevkhunta police, the company had promised them lump sum benefits and returns following which they deposited their savings.

However, the company closed down after a few months; and when some depositors tried to meet the owner of the firm, Arjun Charan Das at the Hi-Tech Engineering College located at Ranital, they were threatened and driven away, the complaint read.

"Over 30,000 people of Balasore and Bhadrak districts have deposited money with Hi-Tech Cooperative. It has retuned money to only a few people and majority of investors are yet to get their money back," said one depositor, Ranjan Mohanty.

"As per allegations the company has cheated them but the complainants have not provided the details as to who had deposited how much. We have told them to come with all the details and other documents. Once they submit the details, we will take action against the firm," said Inspector In-Charge of Sahadevkhunta Police Station, Jayant Das.