Cuttack Police File FIR Against Senior Official in Rs 95 Lakh Land Fraud Case
Police in Cuttack have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated a formal probe against Additional Home Secretary Aradhana Das concerning an alleged land fraud amounting to Rs 95 lakh. The case was officially registered at the CDA Phase-II police station on February 5, following a complaint lodged by Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, a resident of CDA Sector-6.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the FIR and police statements, the complainant, Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, entered into an agreement in November 2022 to purchase a plot owned by Aradhana Das located in CDA Sector-10 for a total sum of Rs 95 lakh. Bhawsinka claims that he transferred Rs 85 lakh to Das's bank account via RTGS and paid the remaining Rs 10 lakh in cash, thereby completing the full payment.
Despite receiving the entire amount, Aradhana Das allegedly failed to register the land in Bhawsinka's name or hand over its possession. When Bhawsinka sought the execution of the sale deed, Das reportedly claimed that the money had already been spent. Furthermore, the complainant has accused Das of verbally abusing him and threatening to file false cases against him.
Legal Charges and Police Investigation
Based on the complaint and prima facie evidence, police have registered the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include:
- Section 318(4) – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
- Section 316(2) – Criminal breach of trust
- Section 296(b) – Criminal intimidation
- Section 351(2) – Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
A detailed investigation report submitted by the CDA Phase-II police to Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo on March 21 confirmed the financial transactions and highlighted the non-compliance by the accused. "Preliminary investigation indicates that the complainant's claims are supported by transaction records. We are proceeding as per legal provisions," stated a senior police officer involved in the case.
Challenges in the Probe
The investigation faces procedural hurdles due to the accused's status as a serving government official. Police have sought government sanction to proceed against Aradhana Das, as prior approval is mandatory in such cases. "Since the accused is a serving government official, prior approval is required. We have initiated the process," the officer added.
On April 6, the commissionerate police formally intimated the General Administration Department regarding the FIR. Authorities noted that Das has not cooperated with the inquiry, refusing to accept official communications sent by post. Police also mentioned that Das allegedly did not cooperate with the investigation and refused to accept notices sent to her, making efforts to obtain her response futile so far.
The complainant has provided documentary evidence, including bank transaction records, to support his allegations. Police are continuing their investigation while awaiting the necessary government sanction to take further legal action against the accused official.
