Cops get remand of ‘fraudsters’ posing an PM secy’s kin | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Hansita Abhilipsa (38) and her aide Anil Mohanty (48), who were recently arrested by Bhubaneswar police on charges of duping businessmen of crores of rupees by posing as the daughter and son-in-law of Prime Minister’s principal secretary P K Mishra, were on Thursday taken on one-day remand by city police for interrogation.
The special crime unit (SCU) initially requested a court seeking the accused’s three-day police custody but received approval for one day on Wednesday to question the accused. “Our interrogation will focus on understanding the couple’s operational methods and financial dealings,” an SCU official said. The law enforcement agency has urged victims of the accused to submit formal complaints with supporting evidence to build a stronger legal case.
The fraud came to light following a recent complaint from a private university official. The accused, arrested by Infocity police on Dec 30, allegedly photographed themselves with important officials and politicians to convince business owners of their ability to facilitate govt-related matters and contracts. According to police sources, the complainant reportedly lost crores of rupees in a fraudulent transaction.
During their transfer from Jharpada special jail to police custody on Thursday, both the accused pleaded innocence. “We have been framed in a false case. We are innocent. We did not cheat anyone. The allegations against us are baseless. We will prove our innocence in court,” said Hansita while breaking down in front of journalists.
Police investigations reveal that the accused allegedly approached mining companies, offering to manage their corporate social responsibility projects while pretending to be relatives of the PM’s principal secretary. They even allegedly extracted huge money from contractors on the pretext of giving them plum tenders.
Income Tax authorities conducted searches of their properties in Bhubaneswar, Delhi, and Jharkhand on Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials discovered several premium vehicles and flats allegedly acquired without proper documentation, raising concerns about unexplained assets. The tax authorities also questioned Hansita’s husband, Saroj Sahoo, during their operations.
According to police sources, Mohanty, who resides in Bhubaneswar, was previously employed in a mining company before his association with Hansita. She originates from Narla in Kalahandi district and reportedly participated in panchayat politics in 2017.
The special crime unit (SCU) initially requested a court seeking the accused’s three-day police custody but received approval for one day on Wednesday to question the accused. “Our interrogation will focus on understanding the couple’s operational methods and financial dealings,” an SCU official said. The law enforcement agency has urged victims of the accused to submit formal complaints with supporting evidence to build a stronger legal case.
The fraud came to light following a recent complaint from a private university official. The accused, arrested by Infocity police on Dec 30, allegedly photographed themselves with important officials and politicians to convince business owners of their ability to facilitate govt-related matters and contracts. According to police sources, the complainant reportedly lost crores of rupees in a fraudulent transaction.
During their transfer from Jharpada special jail to police custody on Thursday, both the accused pleaded innocence. “We have been framed in a false case. We are innocent. We did not cheat anyone. The allegations against us are baseless. We will prove our innocence in court,” said Hansita while breaking down in front of journalists.
Police investigations reveal that the accused allegedly approached mining companies, offering to manage their corporate social responsibility projects while pretending to be relatives of the PM’s principal secretary. They even allegedly extracted huge money from contractors on the pretext of giving them plum tenders.
Income Tax authorities conducted searches of their properties in Bhubaneswar, Delhi, and Jharkhand on Tuesday and Wednesday. Officials discovered several premium vehicles and flats allegedly acquired without proper documentation, raising concerns about unexplained assets. The tax authorities also questioned Hansita’s husband, Saroj Sahoo, during their operations.
According to police sources, Mohanty, who resides in Bhubaneswar, was previously employed in a mining company before his association with Hansita. She originates from Narla in Kalahandi district and reportedly participated in panchayat politics in 2017.
