Dhenkanal, July 29: In a significant development in the land fraud case involving Odisha’s Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, the Town Police on Monday arrested the prime accused, Niranjan Satapathy. The accused, a resident of Banasingha village under Dhenkanal Sadar Police limits, was later produced before the court.
According to police sources, Satapathy appeared at the Town Police Station earlier in the day. Following interrogation, he was taken into custody. Superintendent of Police Abhinav Sonkar stated that further investigation is underway, and the accused may be taken on remand for additional questioning.
The case dates back to 2021, when Satapathy allegedly took ₹25 lakh from Minister Patra, acting as an intermediary in a proposed land sale. However, even after four years, the Promised Land was neither transferred nor sold. Despite repeated demands for a refund, the accused reportedly delayed repayment and issued two cheques that subsequently bounced.
Realizing he had been defrauded, Minister Patra filed a formal complaint with the Dhenkanal Town Police Station on Sunday, leading to the arrest.
Authorities are continuing their probe into the matter.
