Man Arrested for Cheating Widow of ₹14.45 Lakh on False Job Promise

Sundargarh: Bhasma Police have arrested a man for allegedly duping a widow of ₹14.45 lakh after befriending her on social media and promising a government job for her son.

The accused, identified as Saroj Nanda from Kondagad under Gaisilet police limits in Bargarh district, was apprehended from Balangir where he had been hiding.

According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Nirmal Kumar Mohapatra, the victim, Ranjita Kalo, a resident of Bhalugad under Bhasma police station, came in contact with the accused through Facebook. Nanda allegedly posed as a GST officer and assured her that he could secure a government job for her son.

Trusting his claims, the victim reportedly sold a small piece of land and borrowed money from relatives to arrange ₹14.45 lakh, which she handed over to the accused. However, after receiving the money, Nanda allegedly began demanding additional funds.

When Ranjita started questioning him about the promised job, he reportedly abused her and eventually stopped responding to her calls, raising her suspicions.

Following her complaint, Bhasma Police, with assistance from the Cyber Cell, tracked down and arrested the accused from Balangir.

During the operation, police seized an expensive car, eight mobile phones, a tablet, bank passbooks, ATM cards, cheque books, and other incriminating materials from his possession.

Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused was involved in similar frauds targeting other women.