Academic Coordinator’s Deceptive Web: Scam Unveiled at Utkal University’s DDCE

Bhubaneswar: In a recent case, Madhab Chandra Sethi, an Academic Coordinator at DDCE within Utkal University, has been apprehended by Saheednagar police. Sethi stands accused of deceiving numerous young individuals, amassing nearly Rs 40 lakh through false promises of securing government employment.

The investigation stemmed from a complaint filed by Basant Kumar Das on September 22nd. Das alleged that Sethi had extracted Rs 12 lakh from him, assuring him an ASO position at the State Secretariat. Initially, Sethi received Rs 2 lakh as an advance payment. When the ASO exam results were unveiled, and Das found himself absent from the merit list, he requested a refund. In response, Sethi resorted to threats.

Subsequently, the Saheednagar police initiated legal proceedings, registering a case under sections 420 and 506 of the IPC. The evidence uncovered during the investigation led to Sethi’s arrest. His position at DDCE in Utkal University had afforded him opportunities to interact with students, enabling him to exploit their aspirations for government jobs.

Although authorities have identified five victims thus far, the total count of duped individuals may range from 35 to 40. The estimated sum amassed by Sethi is approximately Rs 40 lakh. Notably, many of the victims were Utkal University students.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Sethi had extracted Rs 4,00,000 from Rasmiranjan Parida of Vani Vihar, Rs 4,00,000 from Dusmanta Kumar Panigrahi of Vani Vihar, Rs 70,000 from Smruti Ranjan Swain, and Rs 1,20,000 from Gita Govinda Behera of Bhadrak, among others, under the pretense of facilitating job placements.