Who is the NRI conman arrested by Odisha Police?
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Synopsis
Odisha Police have arrested a notorious NRI conman, Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik, accused of defrauding highly qualified professionals out of significant sums by falsely promising them lucrative overseas job placements. His deceptive tactics included creating fake job offers and identities. This article delves into the intricacies of the case and Pattnaik's fraudulent schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik was arrested for multiple fraud cases.
- He used fake job offers to deceive victims.
- The Crime Branch conducted a thorough investigation.
- Authorities are tracking his movements and other cases.
- Public awareness is crucial in preventing such scams.
Bhubaneswar, May 23 (NationPress) The Odisha Police have apprehended a charming NRI con artist accused of swindling well-educated individuals out of large sums of money under the guise of securing lucrative employment opportunities abroad, according to Vinaytosh Mishra, DGP of the Odisha Crime Branch, on Friday.
The suspect, Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik, also known as Biranchi Narayan, is from the Begunia police station area in Khordha district.
"The accused deceived a skilled aeronautical engineer, who graduated from a college in Coimbatore, for a staggering Rs 90 lakh by falsely promising him a position at British Airways and subsequently at Lufthansa Airways," Mishra reported.
Pattnaik even fabricated fake offer and appointment letters to mislead the victim, an aeronautical engineer from Gunupur.
A complaint was filed by the victim, leading to a case being registered at the Gunupur police station in Rayagada district on October 29, 2018.
The Crime Branch later took over the investigation, opening a new case regarding the matter.
In another incident reported at the Gunupur police station on September 24, 2018, the fraudster tricked a woman out of Rs 15 lakh by falsely assuring her that he could assist her son, a qualified engineer in Electronic and Instrumentation Engineering, in securing a high-paying job in Malaysia.
During the investigation into both cases, the Crime Branch discovered Pattnaik's involvement in an additional fraud case registered at the Bissamcuttack Police Station on April 9, 2002.
A charge sheet has been filed in this case, indicating that Pattnaik is currently absconding.
“It has been revealed that he presented himself as a medical doctor, professor, engineer, and other titles to charm his unsuspecting victims into believing his false credentials. However, during the inquiry, it became evident that his qualifications were questionable and under scrutiny,” stated the Crime Branch in a press release.
The agency further noted that the accused created counterfeit letters of offer and appointment supposedly from international consultancy firms.
He also forged identification documents, such as address proof and driving licenses, to hide his true identity and location.
“While the investigation was ongoing, the suspect fled to Cambodia and allegedly obtained a second passport to obscure his identity. A Look Out Circular was issued against Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik on January 17, 2019, which was requested to be maintained in 2020 as well. To avoid capture, he has resided in Cambodia since 2012, claiming to have started an IT company there, which is now under investigation,” added the Crime Branch.
Notably, despite the Look Out Circular, he frequently returned to Odisha while deceiving law enforcement agencies. Authorities have also confirmed that Pattnaik is implicated in numerous other job fraud cases across Visakhapatnam, Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, and other regions.
“He last visited Odisha in 2023, and law enforcement monitored his activities, discovering that he returned to India in May 2025. Based on technological intelligence, the Crime Branch team kept surveillance and successfully apprehended him in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday,” the Crime Branch claimed.
In a statement to reporters, the Crime Branch DGP disclosed that the police would soon seek a court remand for Pattnaik to facilitate further investigation.
Point of View
The arrest of Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik highlights a serious issue that affects countless individuals seeking better job opportunities abroad. This case not only illustrates the dangers of trusting misleading promises but also underscores the need for greater awareness and vigilance in employment practices. The nation must support the efforts of law enforcement in tackling such frauds to protect its citizens.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik face?
Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik faces multiple charges including fraud and forgery related to job placement scams.
How did the police track him down?
The Crime Branch utilized technological intelligence and surveillance to track Pattnaik's movements, leading to his arrest.
What methods did the conman use to defraud victims?
Pattnaik created fake job offers, appointment letters, and forged documents to mislead his victims.
What is the extent of his fraudulent activities?
Pattnaik is involved in several job fraud cases across various regions, including Odisha and beyond.
What actions will be taken against him moving forward?
Authorities plan to seek court remand for further investigation into Pattnaik's activities and other potential victims.
