Cuttack (Odisha): Odisha Police have arrested Shashadhar Panda, who is accused of impersonating a government official, railway employee, businessman and social worker to allegedly defraud people of more than ₹10 crore. According to investigators, Panda, a resident of Dhusuri in Bhadrak district, allegedly cheated victims across multiple districts by promising lucrative land deals and high-return investment opportunities. Police said several criminal cases had already been registered against the accused, and more alleged victims have come forward following his arrest.
Investigators said Panda had been living in the CDA area of Cuttack and allegedly introduced himself as a Block Education Officer (BEO), a railway official, a prominent businessman and a social worker to gain the confidence of unsuspecting individuals. Once he established trust, he allegedly persuaded victims to invest in land transactions and other schemes, promising substantial returns before defrauding them of large sums of money.
The latest action followed a complaint filed at Mangalabag Police Station in Cuttack, where the complainant alleged that Panda had cheated him of ₹20 lakh in a land deal. During the investigation, police found that the accused’s alleged fraudulent activities extended across several districts in Odisha.
According to the investigation, Panda is accused of carrying out multiple high-value frauds, including an alleged ₹2.24 crore fraud in Balianta, ₹64 lakh in the Bhadrak Rural police jurisdiction and ₹58 lakh in Nimapada. Additional complaints have also been registered against him at Bhadrak Town and Bandhamunda police stations.
Police further said that the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is separately investigating an alleged ₹3.5 crore financial fraud linked to the accused. Investigators are examining Panda’s bank accounts, financial transactions, assets and the possible involvement of associates in the alleged fraud network.
According to officials, Panda had been arrested in multiple cases in the past and produced before various courts. However, after securing bail, he allegedly continued engaging in similar fraudulent activities.
Police believe more victims may still come forward. The Cuttack Police have appealed to anyone who suspects they were defrauded by the accused to approach the police and file a complaint. Officials said every complaint will be examined to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify all victims.
Investigators are also trying to establish whether Panda acted alone or was part of a larger organised fraud network. Police are currently collecting records from cases registered in different districts while analysing financial documents and digital evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Experts say impersonating government officials or influential individuals to promote fake investment opportunities and land deals has become a common modus operandi in financial fraud cases. They advise the public to independently verify a person’s identity, official designation and supporting documents before making any investment or property transaction. Police have also urged citizens not to trust unrealistic investment offers or unusually cheap land deals without proper verification and to immediately report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
