Odia film producer Niranjan Rana was arrested by the Commissionerate Police on Thursday while returning from Mumbai. Rana, owner of Maa Tarini Eastcon Pvt. Ltd., is accused of defrauding numerous individuals by falsely promising them land and flats.
According to a press statement from the Commissionerate Police, Rana has allegedly been involved in fraudulent activities since 2000, with multiple cases filed against him. He reportedly used the funds obtained from these scams to finance high-budget films such as Hari Bhai Harena, Je Panche Para Manda, Rakate Lekhichi Naa, Target, and Pahili Raja.
A total of 21 cases have been registered against Rana at the Balianta and Saheed Nagar police stations, with seven non-bailable warrants issued for him and others involved in the scheme. His arrest adds to a series of high-profile detentions in the Odia film industry linked to fraud cases.
The Commissionerate Police confirmed that Rana deceived the public under the pretense of providing land and flats. His fraudulent activities date back over two decades, involving numerous deceptive deals.
Additionally, the Crime Branch’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has previously arrested several other film producers and realtors in connection with similar land fraud cases.