Odisha’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Crime Branch has made significant progress in cracking down on an elaborate fake certificate scam, arresting five individuals involved in fraudulent job applications.
The accused had allegedly submitted forged educational certificates to secure positions as Grameen Dak Sevak (GDS) in Bolangir.
The fraud came to light after the Superintendent of Post Offices, Bolangir Division, raised concerns over 38 candidates who had provided fake credentials. The case was initially registered under Balangir Town PS Case No. 141 dated March 24, 2023. Given the organised nature of the operation, the CID Crime Branch took charge of the investigation.
Earlier, law enforcement had arrested the principal accused, Abhijeet Kumar Bhakat, along with 17 other individuals. On June 11, 2025, an additional five suspects—Kulamani Rana (24), Ajaudin Kumbhar (28), Rajat Kumar Naik (32), Sudhir Bhue (27), and Tophan Bag (45)—were taken into custody. Officials continue their search for more perpetrators involved in the fraudulent network.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing such fraudulent activities, ensuring transparency in government job recruitment processes. Further investigation is underway to dismantle the criminal syndicate behind this scam.
