Fake IAS Officer Gets 6-Year Jail Term For Duping Job Seekers In Odisha

Baripada: A fake IAS officer arrested last year on charges of duping several job aspirants in the State was sentenced to six years rigorous imprisonment by the Court of Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) in Baripada today. This apart, the court has reportedly directed the convict Rajat Panda to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.

"According to the reports of the Investigating Officer, there were several allegations against Rajat Panda as he used to dupe the job seekers. As many as nine witnesses kept their sides in the court today based on which the court pronounced the verdict," informed government lawyer Brundaban Nayak.

Reportedly, Rajat used to develop friendship with youths on social networking sites posing as an IAS officer. After winning their trust, he used to demand money from them assuring to help them in getting a job. However, after complaints were filed against Panda in Baripada, Jharpokharia, Malkangiri and Dhauli police stations alleging him of duping job aspirants, he was finally arrested last year.