After Police SI, another fake govt job racket busted in Odisha

Burla Police, on Thursday, busted a massive fake recruitment racket promising government sweeper jobs across multiple districts in western Odisha. The operation also involved the arrest of two persons, with authorities seizing over Rs 62 lakh in cash allegedly collected from hundreds of unsuspecting aspirants.

According to reports, the accused, identified as Padmavati Tandi and Rahul Ray, are accused of duping job seekers by promising them employment in various state-run institutions. Police said the duo had collected Rs 12,000 per applicant, targeting women and economically weaker families in Sambalpur, Bargarh, Boudh, and Sonepur districts.

Modus Operandi Of The Scam

According to the Burla Police, the accused posed as intermediaries capable of securing Class-IV sweeper jobs in government offices. They reportedly used fake documents, forged recommendation letters, and organised small community meetings to lure victims.

The racket’s scale came to light after multiple women approached local leaders, alleging they had paid money but received no job confirmation letters.

“Several complaints were circulating informally in local communities about fraudulent recruitment offers. However, no one was coming forward to the police, as the scammers offered cash to some aspirants, giving a false sense of security,” informed Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo.

He also added that the Burla police conducted a sting operation, collected inputs, and planned an operation to bust the scam.

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Police Action And Cash Seizure

Burla Police conducted coordinated raids following tip-offs and seized approximately Rs 62 lakh in cash, allegedly the proceeds from the fake job collections.

The SP stated that the funds were stored in different locations and recovered after hours of search operations. As of the last reports, police are investigating the money trail and UPI payments to launch a detailed inquiry.

Sambalpur Administration Issues Public Warning

Meanwhile, as reports of the racket spread, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) released a public advisory warning citizens to remain alert against fake job advertisements and false recruitment agents claiming to have official links with the civic body.

“Two persons, including a woman, have been taken into custody for questioning. About Rs 62 lakh has been seized. Preliminary investigation suggests they collected money by promising jobs in government departments. Further verification is underway,” said SMC Deputy Commissioner Sushant Kumar Sahu.

He also added that an advisory has been issued urging residents to refrain from paying money to anyone claiming to arrange municipal jobs, emphasising that all government recruitment takes place through official advertisements and transparent processes.

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It is worth noting that the current job scam comes close on the heels of the Odisha Police busting a large-scale job scam in the OPRB SI recruitment exam. The scam had rocked the state’s recruitment system, while subsequent investigations revealed an elaborate scam designed by alleged mastermind Shankar Prusty.