Bhubaneswar, April 17: Bhasma Police have arrested a man for allegedly duping a widow of ₹14.45 lakh by befriending her on Facebook and promising to secure a government job for her son.

The accused, identified as Saroj Nanda from Kondagad under Gaisilet police limits in Bargarh district, was apprehended from Balangir, where he had been hiding.

According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer Nirmal Kumar Mohapatra, the victim, Ranjita Kalo of Bhalugad area under Bhasma police station, came in contact with the accused through Facebook. Nanda allegedly introduced himself as a GST officer and assured her that he could arrange a government job for her son.

Trusting his claims, the victim sold a small piece of land and borrowed money from relatives to pay him the amount. However, after receiving the money, the accused allegedly demanded more and later began abusing her when she questioned him. He eventually stopped responding to her calls.

Following a complaint, police, with assistance from the Cyber Cell, traced and arrested the accused. During the raid, officials seized a car, eight mobile phones, a tablet, along with bank documents and other incriminating materials.

Police said further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused had cheated other victims using similar tactics.

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