Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has lodged a complaint with the Dhenkanal Town Police, alleging that he was duped of Rs 25 lakh in a land deal that dates back to 2021.
At the time, Patra was serving as a company director and had been approached by a man from Banasingh, under Dhenkanal Sadar police jurisdiction. The accused promised to arrange a plot in the Banasingh area at an affordable rate. Believing the offer, Patra paid Rs 25 lakh as an advance. However, the promised deal never materialised.
The middleman not only evaded further communication but also issued two cheques that eventually bounced. Despite Patra serving legal notices and offering repayment extensions—first until November 2024, and later January 2025—no money was returned.
“This was a personal matter before I entered politics. The police will investigate accordingly,” Patra clarified while speaking to the media.
Police have initiated an investigation and are working to trace the accused. Patra’s move to file the complaint signals growing awareness and accountability—even among high-ranking officials—about financial fraud in real estate dealings.
