Bhubaneswar, June 16: More than 30 students from Odisha's Bolangir, Nuapada and Bargarh districts have alleged that they were cheated of lakhs of rupees by an agent who promised to facilitate their B.Ed admissions in colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the students, they completed their B.Ed course over a year ago but are yet to receive their certificates. When they contacted the concerned college authorities in Andhra Pradesh, they were reportedly informed that the certificates would be issued only after the pending fees were paid to the institution.

The students alleged that they had already paid the entire course fee through an agent, identified as Patitapaban Herna, associated with RIMS Institute in Kantabanji. They claimed that each student paid around Rs 1.5 lakh towards the course fee and an additional Rs 10,000 for certificate-related expenses.

However, the students accused the agent of not depositing the money with the college, resulting in the withholding of their certificates. As a result, many students say they are facing difficulties in pursuing employment and higher studies.

Frustrated by repeated delays and assurances, the affected students approached Kantabanji Police Station seeking intervention. They alleged that despite several attempts to contact the agent, he continued to postpone resolving the issue.

The students had reportedly enrolled in B.Ed programmes in Andhra Pradesh through RIMS Institute, Kantabanji. They now demand that either their certificates be issued immediately or appropriate action be taken against those responsible for the alleged financial irregularities.

Police are expected to investigate the matter following the complaint lodged by the students.