Fraudster posing as OTDC offcials aims to sell Hotel Nilachal Ashok
Bhubaneswar: In a shocking incident, a fraudster posed himself as an OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation) official with an aim to sell Hotel Nilachal Ashok of ITDC (India Tourism Development Corporation).
The fraudster has been identified as Bikash Maharana.
A case was registered on the basis of a written complaint filed by OTDC officials, Bhubaneswar on the allegation that Bikash in criminal conspiracy with others had cheated one Dhanurdhar Champatiray.
He cheated Champatiray, a special class contractor, by using fake work orders purportedly issued by OTDC, Bhubaneswar and collected huge amount of cash from him, both in bank accounts and by cash, impersonating themselves as the authorized officers of OTDC and competent to issue work orders.
During the investigation it was revealed that Dhanurdhar Champatiray is a special class contractor and was desperately looking for any work contract during Corona Pandemic. He came in contact with accused Bijayananda
Choudhury @ Swami Bijayananda Maharaj, Chandan Akash Mohanty and the present accused Bikash Maharana, who impersonating them as the Chairman of OTDC Ltd., Asst. Engineer of OTDC and Clerk of OTDC respectively.
Thereafter, he came in contact with accused Bijayananda Choudhury @ Swami Bijayananda Maharaj, Chandan Akash Mohanty and Bikash Maharana, who impersonated them as the Chairman of OTDC Ltd., Asst. Engineer of OTDC and Clerk of OTDC respectively.
All of them in furtherance to a criminal conspiracy took Rs.3 Crores approx. from the complainant Dhanurdhar Champatiray.
During the period from August to November, 2020, the accused persons handed over 23 no. of work orders for the renovation of Pantha Nivas at Barakul and Rambha, purportedly issued under the seal and signature of Executive Engineer, OTDC Ltd.
Out of the amount, above Rs.1.14 Crores has been deposited through bank account of the accused persons and another Rs.1.85 Crores was taken by cash from the complainant by the Bikash Maharana by giving false money receipts.
Bikash Maharana was long absconding and has been tracked by EOW, ultimately surrendered in the Hon’ble Court of SDJM, Bhubaneswar on April 22, 2022 as per the direction of Hon’ble High Court of Orissa and was remanded to judicial custody.
Further investigation of the case is underway.
Ms Kalinga