Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Police on Saturday arrested Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Dillip Kumar Nayak for allegedly defrauding a Cuttack-based businessman of over ₹12.42 crore through false promises of real estate investments and land deals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Nayak, a resident of Jhanjiri Mangala under Badambadi police limits in Cuttack, had contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Nimapara as a BJD candidate, running against current Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

The complaint was filed by Bijay Kumar Rout of Ranihat Malisahi, Cuttack, at Badambadi Police Station before being transferred to the EOW. A formal case was registered on September 19.

According to investigators, between 2015 and 2017, Nayak allegedly collected ₹3 crore from Rout, promising high returns from real estate investments. In 2018, he reportedly took another ₹4 crore, offering to provide a plot at Bajrakabati, which never materialized. Later, he convinced Rout to pay ₹3.42 crore for a land parcel in Patia—again, the deal was never fulfilled.

The EOW also found that Nayak accepted ₹3 crore, including ₹1 crore from Rout’s wife, to set up a company. Except for returning ₹1 crore, he allegedly failed to repay the rest.

In 2021, Nayak is said to have taken ₹3.5 crore from Rout to jointly purchase five acres of land in Trisulia. However, instead of transferring ownership, he registered himself as a joint owner and secretly sold 2.5 acres without Rout’s knowledge.

During a raid at Nayak’s residence, officials seized incriminating documents, including sale deeds, agreements, powers of attorney, and multiple bank account details.

The EOW stated that further investigation is ongoing to trace the money trail and identify any additional individuals involved.