Kataka: Mangalabag Police in Kataka (formerly Cuttack) have arrested a man accused of posing as a Block Education Officer (BEO) and social worker to allegedly defraud people of lakhs of rupees.

The accused has been identified as Sheshadev Panda, a native of Sundargarh district who had been staying in the CDA area of Kataka city.

According to police, Panda allegedly introduced himself as a BEO and, at times, as a social worker to gain the confidence of unsuspecting victims. After winning their trust, he allegedly promised to arrange school admissions, facilitate land-related work, and provide other official assistance in exchange for money.

The case came to light after a complainant alleged that the accused had collected around Rs 20 lakh on the pretext of securing admission for his son and helping with land-related matters. When the accused failed to deliver on his promises or return the money, the victim approached Mangalabag Police, leading to the registration of a case.

Following an investigation, police arrested the accused.

During the probe, investigators found that Panda is a habitual offender with a long history of alleged fraud. Police said more than 10 criminal cases have already been registered against him at various police stations across Odisha for similar offences.

Officials suspect that the accused cheated several people by using different identities and false promises, allegedly swindling crores of rupees over the years.

Police are now collecting his complete criminal record and investigating whether more victims may have been defrauded. Further investigation is underway to trace the money trail and identify others who may have been affected by the alleged fraud.