Dhenkanal: A man was arrested for allegedly duping Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra of Rs 25 lakh in a land deal offered by him four years ago.
Police sources said the accused, identified as Niranjan Satapathy of Banasingh village in Dhenkanal district, was taken into custody and produced before a local court after the Minister lodged a complaint with the Dhenkanal Town Police Station on July 26.
The incident took place in 2021 when Satapathy reportedly assured the minister of facilitating the purchase of a prime plot in Banasingh area. Trusting the offer, Patra paid Rs 25 lakh in advance. However, the deal never materialised as Satapathy failed to keep his promise.
The accused subsequently issued two cheques to return the advance amount — both of which bounced.
Police said Satapathy had also provided a written assurance to refund the money, but did not follow through.
Minister Patra, speaking to the media on Monday had stated that the transaction took place four years ago when he was serving as a director in a company.
Further investigation in the case is in progress. Preliminary inquiries suggest the possibility of more victims who may have fallen prey to similar promises.