BJD Leader Dillip Kumar Nayak Arrested by EOW for ₹12.42 Crore Fraud

Bhubaneswar: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police on Saturday arrested Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Dillip Kumar Nayak on charges of defrauding a Cuttack-based businessman of over ₹12.42 crore through fraudulent land and real estate deals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Nayak, a resident of Jhanjiri Mangala under Badambadi police limits in Cuttack, had contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Nimapara as a BJD candidate against current Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The complaint was filed by Bijay Kumar Rout of Ranihat Malisahi, Cuttack, at Badambadi Police Station before being transferred to the EOW. A formal case was registered on September 19.

According to investigators, Nayak allegedly took ₹3 crore from Rout between 2015 and 2017 for real estate investments, followed by another ₹4 crore in 2018 for a promised plot at Bajrakabati, which never materialized. He later induced Rout to pay ₹3.42 crore for land at Patia, also undelivered.

The EOW further revealed that Nayak collected ₹3 crore—including ₹1 crore from Rout’s wife—to float a company, but repaid only ₹1 crore. In 2021, he allegedly persuaded Rout to invest ₹3.5 crore for five acres at Trisulia, later registering himself as joint owner and secretly selling 2.5 acres without Rout’s knowledge.

During a raid on Nayak’s residence, officials seized incriminating documents such as sale deeds, powers of attorney, agreements, and bank account details.

Police said investigations are ongoing to trace the money trail and identify any possible accomplices involved in the fraud.