How Did Odisha Police Uncover a Rs 2 Crore Job Scam?
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Synopsis
In a significant breakthrough, Odisha's Sambalpur Police have arrested two individuals involved in a massive job scam, duping around 2,000 people out of Rs 2 crore. This article uncovers the methods behind their deception and the police's efforts to bring them to justice.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of job offers that require upfront payments.
- Verify the legitimacy of companies before engaging with them.
- Stay informed about common fraud tactics.
- Report suspicious activities to local authorities.
- Trust your instincts if something seems off.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 (NationPress) The Sambalpur Police in Odisha apprehended two con artists on Thursday, accused of scamming nearly 2,000 individuals out of approximately Rs 2 crore under the guise of securing jobs related to cleaning and sanitation in various government offices within the Sambalpur Municipality.
The suspects have been identified as Samrat Ray alias Rahul, 32, from Kshetrajpur, and Padmalaya Tandi alias Padmavati, 34, from Burla in Sambalpur district.
The fraudsters operated through a fictitious company named ‘RMAX Pvt Ltd’.
In a statement to the media, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police, Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo, disclosed that after receiving intelligence regarding the fraud from multiple sources, the local police monitored the suspects’ activities for several months.
On Wednesday, law enforcement executed a raid during a dubious job fair and apprehended Samrat and Padmalaya.
“Initially, they conducted small gatherings in villages with about 15 to 20 attendees. Gradually, they escalated to larger meetings, increasing attendance each time. We detained them yesterday, and during questioning, we uncovered their involvement in the scam,” stated Sambalpur SP Bhamoo.
The police also reported the recovery of Rs 62 lakh and two vehicles from the fraudsters.
The accused allegedly created a phony company called ‘RMAX Pvt. Ltd.’ and falsely asserted that it was authorized to provide appointments for cleaning and sanitation roles.
They held meetings across various locations, collecting Rs 12,000 from each person, promising daily wages of Rs 400.
When victims requested appointment letters and other official documents, the fraudsters failed to deliver, offering excuses that the documents would be issued later.
Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the fake company had no affiliation with any government agency, and they had been perpetrating these fraudulent activities since October 2024.
Point of View
I emphasize the necessity for vigilance against scams that exploit the aspirations of job seekers. The swift action by the Sambalpur Police exemplifies the importance of community alertness and law enforcement’s dedication to protecting citizens. We must remain aware of such fraudulent activities to safeguard our society.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the nature of the job scam in Odisha?
The scam involved duping individuals by promising jobs related to sweeping and sanitation in government offices, collecting money without delivering any employment.
How much money was involved in the scam?
Approximately Rs 2 crore was scammed from around 2,000 victims.
How did the police catch the fraudsters?
The police conducted surveillance based on intelligence reports and executed a raid during a suspicious job fair.
What measures can individuals take to avoid job scams?
Always verify the legitimacy of companies and job offers, especially if they require upfront payments.
What has been recovered from the fraudsters?
The police recovered Rs 62 lakh and two vehicles from the suspects.
