Bhubaneswar. Commissionerate Police have arrested a woman and a man in connection with an alleged ₹60 lakh fraud involving a mining businessman. The accused allegedly used a false identity, with the woman posing as a civil engineer, to gain the businessman’s trust and obtain money on different pretexts. According to police, the woman first secured a job at the businessman’s office and later sought financial assistance by claiming that she had been injured in a road accident and was undergoing treatment.
The arrested accused have been identified as 30-year-old Dinesh Ranjan Das and 30-year-old Sasmita Samal. Both were arrested from an apartment in Sundarpada. The complainant in the case is mining businessman Jitendra Nath Patnaik. Police have collected information related to the accused, their identities and financial transactions as part of the investigation.
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According to police, Sasmita met Jitendra Nath Patnaik in 2024. She allegedly introduced herself as ‘Priyanka Pradhan’ and claimed to be a civil engineer. Using this identity, she secured a job at the businessman’s office. During her employment, she remained in contact with the businessman and allegedly gained his confidence.
According to the investigation, Sasmita later told the businessman that she had suffered serious injuries in a road accident and was receiving treatment at a hospital. She allegedly requested financial assistance for her medical expenses. Believing her claims, the businessman transferred money several times through digital payment channels.
Police said the money was transferred to a bank account belonging to one of Sasmita’s relatives. The person allegedly used the name ‘Priyanka Pradhan’ as well. Investigators are now examining the account transactions to determine where the money was subsequently transferred and how it was ultimately used.
According to police, Sasmita and Dinesh allegedly obtained a total of ₹60 lakh from the businessman by giving different reasons. The two allegedly used the money for personal expenses and a lavish lifestyle. After the businessman allegedly realised that he had been defrauded, he lodged a complaint at Capital Police Station.
Following the complaint, police began examining digital payment records, bank accounts and documents linked to the identities allegedly used by the accused. During the investigation, police also gathered information about the alleged relationship between the two accused and the manner in which money was obtained from the businessman. Both were subsequently arrested from the apartment in Sundarpada.
Police said the investigation also revealed that Dinesh Ranjan Das had allegedly been involved in an earlier criminal case registered at Jajpur Town Police Station. Investigators are examining records of that case and checking whether it has any relevance to the present investigation.
Investigators are examining digital payment records, bank accounts and documents associated with the identities allegedly used by the accused. A key part of the investigation is to trace the entire financial trail of the ₹60 lakh and determine whether the money was transferred to other accounts or persons. Police are also examining whether anyone else was involved in the alleged fraud.
The investigation remains underway. The allegations against the accused are subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and their criminal liability will ultimately be determined by the competent court. Police are also investigating how the alleged false identity was created and what documents or methods were used to establish credibility with the businessman.
The alleged method involved using a false professional identity, gaining trust through employment and subsequently seeking money by citing illness or injuries. Such tactics can be used in financial frauds to create an emotional sense of urgency and persuade victims to transfer funds. In this case, however, the exact role of the accused and all other aspects of the alleged fraud will be established through the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.
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.
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