Bhubaneswar: A notorious fraudster from Haryana was arrested by the Commissionerate Police from Maitree Vihar area of Bhubaneswar after he allegedly posed as the chairman of a national commission which does not exist.
The fraudster has been identified as Choudhury Rinku Sanhi of Sonipat in Haryana. His associate, Maninder Singh, whom Rinku presented as his PA, has also been taken into custody, Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena told reporters on Sunday.
He said Rinku had been posing as the National Chairman of Social Justice and Women Empowerment Commission, a fictitious organisation claimed to be under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),
Stating that Rinku and his aide operated in a fraudulent manner in several states, Meena said the two travelled under official-looking protocol, pretending to be accompanied by PSOs and Pas.
The fraud came to light after the two attempted to secure high-ranking government appointments, transfers, and tenders in exchange for money, allegedly extorting huge money from unsuspecting victims.
The accused forged official letterheads, created fake email IDs using government handles, and circulated letters claiming authorisation from the Home Ministry.
Meena said the police received a communication seeking pilot protection and other security measures for the accused. However, police verified that no such Commission exists.
Following a confirmation from the MHA, police laid a trap and subsequently arrested both accused, the DCP said, adding that the police have issued a public advisory and forwarded communications to police in other states.
Investigators are now probing the full extent of the scam, including how many people may have been financially cheated and whether there are additional accomplices involved. The police are also coordinating with the Haryana Police to track the accused’s operations across other states.
Further investigation is underway and the police have urged the public, who may have been cheated, to come forward and lodge complaints.
It is suspected that the accused may have financially cheated multiple people. If anyone has been affected, they can file a complaint with the police, he added.
