Keonjhar: Police in Odisha’s Keonjhar town have taken the main accused of a ₹1 crore job scam, Pramila Parida, and her associate Bhuban Kumar Mahanta on two-day remand.
The duo along with one Deepak Sahoo had deceived 90 people with false promises of employment at Dharanidhar Medical College & Hospital here, Keonjhar SP had earlier posted on X.
While Pramila was arrested on March 26, Bhuban on March 30.
“The complainant, Pradipta Kumar Sahani, and six others were cheated of ₹7,34,500 through cash and digital transactions. They were issued fake appointment letters and later threatened when they demanded a refund. During the investigation, Town Police seized two mobile phones, 15 ATM cards, fraudulent documents, and transaction records from the accused. A case was registered at Town PS under PS Case No. 160/2025 U/s 319(2)/318(4)/351(3)/3(5) BNS, along with Sections 338/336(3)/61(2) BNS,” the tweet added.
Some victims have submitted video evidence and footage to both police. A victim told the media that Pramila had demanded Rs 1 lakh for an attendant job and he had transferred Rs 40,000 to her with the promise to pay the remaining amount once he lands the job. Father of another job aspirant said that they had paid Rs 14,000 through PhonePay and another Rs 36,000 in cash.
Sources said that police have also seized application forms, a diary documenting financial transactions with victims, and documents related to a company-financed gold loan during searches at Pramila’s residence in Amrit Vihar here. Furniture allegedly purchased to set up a dhaba were also seized.
“Further investigation is underway. All individuals involved in the fraud will be brought under investigation,” said IIC of Town police station, Srikant Sahu.
Speaking to the media on possible involvement of district headquarters hospital employees in the scam, CDMO Dr Kishore Chandra Prusti said that appropriate action will be taken once the police conclude their investigation.