On Sunday, the Odisha Police’s Special Task Force (STF) detained a PhD holder on suspicion of forgery, fraud, and extortion while assuming the identity of a vigilance officer.
Manoj Kumar Majhi, a resident of Phulbari village in Krushnaprasad block of Puri district, has been named as the culprit. He also holds an MSc in chemistry from Sambalpur University. From 15 personnel, including engineers, senior administrative officers, and district-level officials, according to STF sources, Majhi demanded money.
A second chief engineer who said Majhi impersonated the superintendent of police (vigilance) and demanded Rs 1 crore from him led to his arrest. The accused’s home was then searched by STF agents on Saturday.
“During interrogation, the accused admitted that he was trying to extort money from various government officials as well as some contractors by presenting himself as a senior vigilance officer. It has also been ascertained that the accused had cheated some persons by promising to arrange government jobs,” said a senior STF official. Further probe is underway.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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