Mayurbhanj, Aug 19: A woman tea seller was allegedly duped of ₹90,202 after two youths reportedly posed as Paytm representatives and offered to open a Paytm account for her at Dantiāmuhan Chhak under the Badjamabani outpost of Betnoti police station in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

The two alleged inter-district fraudsters were later detained after they returned to the tea stall to allegedly open another Paytm account in the name of the woman’s mother-in-law. Local residents caught the youths and handed them over to the police. According to the information available, the money was subsequently returned in the presence of police.

The accused have been identified as Debiprasad Sethi (23), son of Krushnachandra Sethi of Damodarpur in Ward No. 12 of Balasore town, and Sheikh Ayan (18), son of Sheikh Imran of Golapokhari area in Balasore.

How the Alleged Fraud Took Place

According to reports, Chandini Patra, wife of late Bikash Patra, runs a tea stall at Dantiāmuhan Chhak along with her in-laws. The busy location attracts a large number of customers and commuters every day.

The accused had reportedly visited Chandini’s tea stall a few days earlier. On August 13, Debiprasad allegedly introduced himself as a Paytm sales executive and offered to open a Paytm account in Chandini’s name.

Trusting him, Chandini reportedly shared her bank account number, Aadhaar details and OTP received on her mobile phone. A Paytm account was subsequently opened in her name.

However, online transactions were allegedly carried out from her bank account over the following days. According to the report, ₹5,000 was withdrawn on August 14, ₹30,000 on August 15 and ₹55,000 on August 17 On August 18, two separate transactions of ₹101 each were reportedly made.

In total, ₹90,202 was allegedly transferred through five online transactions from Chandini’s bank account.

Suspicions Arise

After noticing the transactions, Chandini reportedly became suspicious. When Debiprasad later said he would open another Paytm account in her mother-in-law’s name, he returned to the tea stall along with his alleged associate on Tuesday afternoon.

Chandini reportedly alerted nearby shopkeepers, following which an argument broke out. As more people gathered, tension escalated at the spot.

On receiving information, Badjamabani Outpost ASI Bhaba Grahi Mahanta and other police personnel reached the location.

Local residents reportedly insisted that the two youths should not be handed over to the police until the allegedly defrauded money was returned. Police subsequently intervened, brought the two youths to the outpost and began questioning them.

Police Detain Two Youths

Police said that Debiprasad Sethi and Sheikh Ayan were being detained at the Badjamabani outpost in connection with the incident.

The report also states that Debiprasad’s father, Krushnachandra Sethi, is working as a constable at the Permit Ghat outpost under Balasore Town police station.

At the time of reporting, no formal case had reportedly been registered. Further action is expected based on the police inquiry.

The incident highlights the risks of sharing bank details, Aadhaar information and OTPs with unknown persons claiming to represent digital payment companies.