Odisha IAS officer accused of cheating man of Rs 95 lakh in land fraud; Complainant also alleges death threats & legal intimidation

A senior Odisha IAS officer has come under the scanner after police registered an FIR over an alleged Rs 95 lakh land fraud case, according to a report by TOI. The case has been filed against additional home secretary Aradhana Das, with authorities launching a detailed investigation into the matter.

Rs 95 Lakh Land Deal Dispute: Complainant Alleges Cheating

As per TOI, the complaint was lodged by Kamal Kumar Bhawsinka, a resident of CDA Sector-6, at CDA Phase-II police station on February 5. He alleged that he had entered into an agreement in November 2022 to purchase a plot owned by Das in CDA Sector-10 for Rs 95 lakh.

According to the FIR, Bhawsinka transferred Rs 85 lakh via RTGS to Das’s bank account and paid the remaining amount in cash. However, despite receiving the full payment, the accused allegedly neither registered the land nor handed over possession.

Odisha Land Fraud Case: Accused Allegedly Issued Threats

The complainant further alleged that when he requested execution of the sale deed, Das claimed that the money had already been spent. TOI reported that she is also accused of verbally abusing him and issuing threats, including warnings of false legal cases.

BNS Sections Invoked in Odisha IAS Officer Case

Police have registered the case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 318(4) (cheating), Section 316(2) (criminal breach of trust), Section 296(b) (criminal intimidation), and Section 351(2) (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace).

A senior police officer told TOI, “Preliminary investigation indicates that the complainant's claims are supported by transaction records. We are proceeding as per legal provisions.”

Probe Confirms Financial Transactions, Says Police

A detailed probe report submitted by CDA Phase-II police to DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo on March 21 reportedly confirmed the financial transactions and alleged non-compliance by the accused.

Police officials also stated that documentary evidence, including bank transaction records, has been submitted by the complainant to support his claims.

Sanction Required to Proceed Against Serving IAS Officer

Authorities have initiated the process to seek government sanction to proceed against the officer, as required in cases involving serving public officials.

“Since the accused is a serving government official, prior approval is required. We have initiated the process,” a senior officer told TOI.

Accused Officer Yet to Respond, Police Say

On April 6, the commissionerate police informed the General Administration Department regarding the FIR. Officials noted that Das has not cooperated with the investigation and allegedly refused to accept official communication sent by post.

Efforts to obtain her response have so far proved unsuccessful, police added.

Odisha IAS Officer Case Raises Questions on Accountability

The case has sparked wider discussions around accountability and transparency in public office, especially in matters involving financial transactions and land deals.

As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on further developments in what is emerging as a significant Odisha land fraud case involving a senior bureaucrat.