Bhubaneswar, Feb 11: In a major breakthrough after nearly two years of investigation, Puri Police have arrested a man for allegedly impersonating a police officer and blackmailing women in multiple districts of Odisha. The accused, identified as Manas Ranjan Jena (45) of Mundanani village under Baliapal Police Station in Balasore district, is an engineering graduate who allegedly used his technical expertise to carry out the crimes.

According to police, the case surfaced after a woman lodged a complaint on September 14, 2023. She reported receiving a call on September 5 around 9 pm from an unknown number. The caller allegedly introduced himself as a Puri Police Inspector and threatened to circulate her objectionable video on social media unless she paid Rs 2.70 lakh. Fearing social humiliation, the victim transferred Rs 1.34 lakh via UPI the same day.

Following the complaint, investigators analysed digital and documentary evidence, leading to Jena’s identification and arrest. Police seized five mobile phones, 34 SIM cards, four ATM cards, a bank passbook, and a cheque book. Further probe is underway to trace accomplices and the money trail.

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