In a significant development, police have arrested Sasmita Majhi, a Zilla Parishad member and former BJD leader, in connection with a job fraud case. Majhi, representing Zone 3 in Mathili, Malkangiri district, is accused of cheating unemployed youths by promising them jobs.
Her arrest follows the earlier detention of her associate, Ramesh Chandra Rout, who had been apprehended for similar fraudulent activities. Majhi had been evading authorities until her recent capture in Jagatsinghpur district.
Reports indicate that many young individuals in Malkangiri have fallen victim to the fraudulent schemes of Majhi and Rout, which involved promises of lucrative employment. Rout reportedly introduced himself as the brother-in-law of VK Pandian, a former IAS officer and 5T Chairman, to gain the trust of potential victims.
Following her arrest, Majhi is being transported back to Malkangiri for further questioning as authorities continue to investigate the extent of the fraud.