In a significant development, the Nandankanan Police Station in Bhubaneswar arrested a couple, Surendra Mohanty (50) and Tapaswini Mohanty (44), on charges of cheating, obscene behavior, and criminal intimidation.
The arrests were made in connection with Case No-190, registered on December 2, 2023, under Sections 420, 294, 506, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), following a complaint by Simadri Das, a resident of GGP Colony, Rasulgarh.
According to the complaint, the accused, distant relatives of the complainant, approached Simadri Das in 2022, promising to arrange a land purchase at a low price. They collected ₹6,30,000 from her but failed to deliver the land or refund the amount despite repeated requests.
When confronted, the couple allegedly resorted to abusive language, issued threats of severe consequences, and even sent a fake legal notice to intimidate her. Frustrated by their tactics, Simadri Das lodged a formal complaint with the Nandankanan Police.
Acting on reliable information, the police conducted a raid, apprehended the couple, and seized related documents as evidence. During interrogation, Surendra and Tapaswini Mohanty confessed to their involvement in the scam.
The accused, residents of Moon Life City, Kalarahanga, Bhubaneswar, and originally from Kathagadia, Nayagarh, have been forwarded to court. The investigation remains ongoing to uncover further details, the police said.
