A major job fraud racket involving the impersonation of senior IAS officers from the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has been busted in Cuttack, Odisha. The scam, which reportedly cheated job aspirants out of crores of rupees, was operated by a gang that promised jobs and paper leaks in return for payments. While one of the key accused, Daniel Raj, has been arrested, the woman mastermind behind the racket remains at large.
The fraud came to light after a complaint was filed with the Bidanasi Police, outlining how the accused posed as senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. They promised lucrative government jobs and access to recruitment paper leaks, luring unsuspecting job seekers. Victims were then coerced into paying substantial amounts in installments, after which the scammers would change their mobile numbers and go into hiding.
According to the police, the racket operated not just in Cuttack but also extended to multiple regions across Odisha, defrauding a significant number of victims. The total amount swindled from the aspirants is believed to run into crores of rupees.
Bidanasi police have arrested Daniel Raj, a key member of the fraud network, who is from Subhadra Nagar. However, the woman who is believed to be the mastermind behind the entire operation remains on the run. Police are continuing their efforts to track her down and dismantle the entire fraudulent network.
The investigation also revealed that the scammers used fake identities and names of senior government officials to make their promises appear legitimate. The victims were convinced to make payments for non-existent job offers and had their hopes shattered when the scammers disappeared with their money.
Authorities are actively pursuing additional suspects who may have played a role in the scam, and efforts are being made to bring the remaining members of the fraudulent network to justice.