Sambalpur: Police arrested a man for allegedly extorting money by giving false identity of a government official in Odisha’s Sambalpur district.
The accused, identified as Sidhant Singh (28) from Bareipali area near Sambalpur town, was forwarded to court after being apprehended.
The incident came to light when a hotel owner, who hails from Sadhumunda village in Luhapank panchayat, filed a complaint at Rairakhol police station. Police launched an investigation into his allegations and apprehended the accused after finding evidence of him targeting wealthy individuals.
“He put a sticker of Vice Chairman, Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on his vehicle and would go around demanding money from people. He threatened to act against people if they refuse to pay, assuming this fraudulent identity,” Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo told media.
During investigation, it was found that two to three similar cases were filed against this fraudster in the past. Police have seized his vehicle and further investigation is underway into Singh targeting people in other districts.
