Woman Arrested in Keonjhar for Alleged Job Fraud Scheme
In a significant development, a 45-year-old woman was apprehended from Keonjhar on Saturday, accused of deceiving multiple job seekers through fraudulent activities, according to police reports. The arrest highlights a growing concern over scams targeting vulnerable individuals in the region.
Details of the Accused and Arrest
The accused has been identified as Sureswari Sagarika Jena, a resident of Jalkalang under the Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district. Despite her attempts to evade capture by applying for anticipatory bail, law enforcement authorities successfully detained her following a coordinated operation.
Police from Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar executed the arrest after placing Jena under surveillance. A specialized team traveled to Keonjhar based on a tip-off, collaborating with local Nandipada police to apprehend her at her residence. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into her alleged involvement in duping job aspirants for substantial sums of money.
Investigation and Financial Impact
According to Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena, the fraud case involves an estimated Rs 22 lakh, with Jena accused of exploiting her position as a social worker to gain trust and carry out the scams. "She used the guise of social activities to cheat people, many of whom knew her as the president of an organization," a police officer stated, emphasizing the deceptive nature of her actions.
The case was initially registered at Khandagiri police station based on a formal complaint, leading to the arrest. IIC of Nandipada police station, Dharmendra Shanti, confirmed the financial scale of the fraud, noting that further investigations are underway to identify additional victims.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
Following the arrest, local authorities have alerted residents, particularly those who had connections with Jena, to prevent further victimization. Police are intensifying efforts to uncover the full extent of the fraud, with plans to interview more individuals who may have been affected by her schemes.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance against fraudulent practices, especially in areas where job opportunities are limited and aspirants may be more susceptible to such scams. The arrest serves as a reminder for communities to verify credentials and report suspicious activities to law enforcement promptly.
