Jeypore, Sept 5: Police in Odisha’s Koraput on Friday arrested a contractor for allegedly duping two persons of Rs 40 lakh.
The accused has been identified as Upendra Mohanty, a resident of Saraswati Nagar in Semiliguda area of the district. He was working as a contractor.
As per reports, one Sungadi Damu (28) of Beheraguda filed a complaint on July 28, 2025 alleging that Upendra took Rs 20 lakh from him in three installments, promising to construct a house. However, after receiving the money, Mohanty absconded and switched off his phone.
In a separate incident, one Prafula Kumar Pangi (58) from Saraswati Nagar area of Semiliguda lodged a complaint on August 23, 2025, alleging that Upendra took Rs 20 lakh from him, promising to repay the amount within two months. However, Mohanty failed to return the money and later absconded from Semiliguda.
Police registered two separate cases against Mohanty under Section 318(4) of the BNS and have arrested him. He will be produced before the court.
The cops have also seized laptop and mobile phones from his possession.
