Fake MHA official from Haryana lands in trap set by Commisssionerate Police in Bhubaneswar

In a significant law enforcement operation, the Commissionerate Police arrested a notorious national-level fraudster, identified as Choudhury Rinku Sanhi, from the Maitree Vihar area in Bhubaneswar. The information was shared by Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena during a press meet on Sunday.

The DCP informed that Rinku, a resident of Sonipat, Haryana, had been posing as the National Chairman of the Social Justice and Women Empowerment Commission, a fictitious department claimed to be under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Central Government.

Deception & Modus Operandi

The DCP revealed that Rinku and his accomplice Maninder executed a sophisticated scam spanning multiple states. The duo often travelled under official-looking protocol, pretending to be accompanied by PSOs and PAs, to give the appearance of legitimacy.

They reportedly offered to secure high-ranking government appointments, transfers, and tenders in exchange for money, allegedly extorting crores of rupees from unsuspecting victims.

Rinku’s operations included forging official letterheads, creating fake email IDs using government handles, and circulating letters claiming authorisation from the Home Ministry.

Odisha Police Bust Fake Claims

Twin City Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh elaborated on how the Commissionerate Police executed the operation to nab the accused.

He stated that they received a communication in the name of the MHA to provide pilot protection and other security measures for the accused. However, police verified that no such Commission exists.

“Following a confirmation from the MHA, we laid a trap, invited his personal secretary to a Hotel in Bhubaneswar, and subsequently arrested both accused. We have issued a public advisory and forwarded communications to police in other states. Appropriate action will be taken as required,” stated Singh.

The accused reportedly pretended to offer security arrangements, tours, and courtesies to impress victims and build credibility.

Investigators are now probing the full extent of the scam, including how many people may have been financially cheated and whether there are additional accomplices involved. The police are also coordinating with the Haryana Police to track the accused’s operations across other states.

ALSO READ: Odisha Police SI recruitment scam: Nayagarh BJD councillor Jatin Dalei allegedly acted as a middleman

Arrest and Investigations

Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena added that further investigation is on and also appealed to the public, who may have been cheated, to come forward and lodge complaints.

“We suspect that they may have financially cheated multiple people. If anyone has been affected, they can file a complaint with the IIC, Maitree Vihar, or their nearest police station. We are probing what their broader aim is and may take them on remand,” said the DCP.