Impersonation Scam Update: Odisha STF Nabs Mastermind’s Close Aide, ₹40 Cr Transactions Unearthed

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch’s Special Task Force (STF) has arrested another individual involved in the cheating and impersonation case led by the notorious conman Kanhu Charan Pradhan. The newly apprehended suspect is identified as Laxman Madhi, hailing from Ambaguda in Malkangiri district.

Previously, the STF had arrested both the ringleader, Kanhu Charan Pradhan, and Kishore Mishra in connection with this fraudulent operation. Madhi is known to have a close association with Pradhan, as evidenced by substantial transactions totalling Rs 60 lakh in Madhi’s bank account, as well as frequent communication with Pradhan.

The case initially originated at the Koraput Town Police Station on April 25, 2023, and was subsequently taken over by the STF for investigation. Multiple cases have been registered against Kanhu Charan Pradhan in the past. Pradhan and his associates often masqueraded as RTI activists, deceiving individuals by falsely claiming to have influential connections with senior government officials, promising services such as crusher licenses, liquor licenses, and transfer/posting assistance.

The group’s fraudulent activities extended across various locations in Odisha, and they were known to employ deceptive tactics, including using mule bank accounts and the numbers of deceased individuals. Their scheme involved saving their numbers under the names of senior officers, leading victims to trust their authenticity, especially when verified through “Truecaller.”

The investigation has unveiled transactions exceeding Rs 40 crore in the accounts of Kanhu Pradhan and his associates. Further investigative efforts are ongoing to uncover additional details related to this elaborate fraud operation.