How Did a 72-Year-Old Retired Government Employee Lose Rs 88 lakh in Odisha?
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Synopsis
A shocking sextortion case in Odisha has led to the arrest of five individuals, defrauding a retired government employee of Rs 88 lakh. The intricate web of deceit involved manipulation, trust, and threats, raising serious concerns about online safety and trust in interpersonal relationships. Read on to learn more about this alarming incident.
Key Takeaways
- A 72-year-old retired employee lost Rs 88 lakh to a sextortion scheme.
- Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the case.
- The victim was manipulated through trust-building tactics.
- Threats involving intimate videos were used for extortion.
- Police are actively pursuing the main suspect who remains at large.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Commissionerate Police in Odisha have apprehended five individuals linked to a purported sextortion scheme that defrauded a 72-year-old retired State Government employee of a staggering Rs 88 lakh in Cuttack, as disclosed by Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh on Tuesday.
According to police reports, the victim connected with the main suspect, Saroj Kumar Jena, and his accomplices via Facebook in January 2025. Over time, the accused gained the victim’s trust through numerous personal interactions at Roxy Hotel, Sagar Hotel, and Jagabandhu Hotel in Cuttack, offering false assurances and building a close relationship.
In May 2025, the accused, Saroj, requested funds from the victim under the guise of needing medical treatment. The victim subsequently transferred Rs 1.48 lakh to him online. This amount was returned within two months, further solidifying the victim’s trust. However, the accused later demanded money again, this time claiming it was for his daughter’s treatment. Upon the victim's refusal, Saroj plotted to extort money.
“During this period, the accused made a WhatsApp video call to the victim, featuring a nude woman on the other end, secretly recording the call without the victim's consent. They then leveraged this recorded video for intimidation and coercion, continually threatening the victim with its distribution on social media,” the Commissionerate police reported.
Police indicated that the accused employed manipulative tactics of blackmail and extortion to repeatedly persuade the victim to transfer considerable sums of money.
“Due to these relentless threats and fraudulent actions, the accused successfully extorted a total of ₹88 lakh from the victim,” police further stated.
A complaint filed by the victim on Monday led to a case being registered at the Cuttack Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station. A specialized police unit arrested four of the suspects from Jajpur district and one from Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Additionally, police seized Rs 14 lakhs in cash, gold ornaments worth several lakhs, and two vehicles from the suspects.
Meanwhile, police sources mentioned ongoing efforts to apprehend the main suspect, Saroj Kumar Jena, who remains at large.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the increasing prevalence of online scams and the vulnerabilities that individuals face in the digital age. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and robust reporting mechanisms to protect citizens from such heinous acts. Our commitment remains steadfast in bringing such issues to light, ensuring that victims receive justice and awareness is raised across communities.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sextortion?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where someone is threatened with the release of intimate images or videos unless they pay money or provide other favors.
How can individuals protect themselves from sextortion?
Individuals can protect themselves by being cautious about sharing personal information and images online, using privacy settings on social media, and reporting suspicious behavior.
What should someone do if they are a victim of sextortion?
Victims should report the incident to local law enforcement and gather evidence, such as screenshots of conversations and any relevant communications.
What legal actions can be taken against perpetrators of sextortion?
Perpetrators of sextortion can face severe legal consequences, including criminal charges for blackmail and extortion, which can lead to imprisonment.
Is sextortion more common in certain age groups?
While sextortion can affect anyone, younger individuals who are more active online may be particularly vulnerable.
