Berhampur: A major alleged government job fraud has come to light in Odisha’s Berhampur, where five people, including a husband and wife, have been arrested for allegedly cheating unemployed youths of around ₹1.5 crore by promising them government jobs. The accused allegedly collected large sums of money from job aspirants and provided them with fake appointment letters claiming to offer positions in different government departments.
The arrests were made by Baidyanathpur police following complaints against the alleged network. All five accused have been produced before the court. Police are now examining the financial transactions, documents and other material recovered during the investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.
According to the police, Jagadish Kumar Behera is the main accused in the case. He allegedly operated the fraud network with the assistance of his associates and targeted unemployed youths looking for government employment. The accused allegedly assured victims that they could secure jobs in different departments in return for substantial payments.
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Original certificates allegedly kept by accused
One of the significant aspects of the investigation is the alleged collection and retention of original educational certificates belonging to several job aspirants. Police suspect that the accused may have used the documents to maintain control over the victims after collecting money from them.
The seizure of original certificates has also become an important part of the investigation as police seek to establish how the accused approached job seekers and what assurances were given to them. Investigators are examining whether the certificates were collected as part of the alleged recruitment process or were used as a means to keep the victims engaged with the accused.
During raids conducted in connection with the case, police recovered several documents and records allegedly linked to the fraud. These include fake appointment letters purportedly issued in the names of different organisations, receipts relating to financial transactions and records of online money transfers.
Fake appointment letters used to allegedly convince victims
The recovery of fake appointment letters has provided investigators with important material to examine the alleged method used by the accused. Police are now checking the authenticity of the documents and investigating how they were prepared, who created them and whether any other individuals or organisations were involved.
The financial records are also being scrutinised to trace the movement of money allegedly collected from the victims. Investigators are attempting to identify the accounts through which the funds were transferred and determine whether the money was subsequently moved to other accounts.
The probe will also seek to establish whether the accused worked independently or whether the alleged operation involved a wider network of intermediaries who identified potential victims, collected money or helped prepare the fake documents.
Number of victims and total amount under investigation
Although the alleged fraud is currently estimated at around ₹1.5 crore, police have not yet determined the exact amount collected by the accused. Investigators are also working to establish the total number of victims who may have been cheated in the alleged scheme.
Police are examining transaction receipts and online transfer records to identify people who allegedly paid money to the accused. The investigation may also reveal additional victims who have not yet approached the authorities.
The police are checking whether similar complaints have been received from other job seekers and whether the accused had allegedly promised employment in multiple government departments over a longer period.
Probe widened to identify other members
With the arrest of all five accused, the investigation has now been expanded to identify other people who may have been associated with the alleged job fraud network. Police are also attempting to contact more job aspirants who may have paid money after being promised government employment.
The seized documents, financial records and digital transaction details are expected to play a key role in determining the scale of the alleged operation. Investigators are also examining the role of each accused and the manner in which the alleged fraud was carried out.
Police said the investigation is continuing and further details are expected to emerge as the financial trail, documents and statements of the alleged victims are examined. The exact number of victims, the final amount allegedly collected and the possible involvement of additional people will be established as the probe progresses.
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.
