Con woman dupes builders & businessmen of crores in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police on Monday arrested a con woman from Bhubaneswar on the charges of cheating several builders, mine owners, MNC owners, and businessmen. Claiming to be close to well-known bureaucrats and politicians in Odisha, she conned several people of crores of rupees by making fake promises of getting tender passed, and deals approved using her connections.

The con woman has been identified as Hansita Abhilipsa (38). The cops have also arrested her accomplice Anil Mohanty, believed to be her husband. The two reportedly own a posh office on Infocity-Nandankanan Road where they conned their victims.

Based on a complaint by a mine owner, the Commissionerate Police has arrested the duo. The two have been forwarded to court, sources said.

The modus operandi of Hansita was to digitally manipulate photographs with high-ranking officials and approach her victims with false promises of getting their tender passed. She used doctored images featuring prominent public officials, such as the former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, to deceive and defraud her victims.

By portraying false associations with influential figures, she purportedly convinced victims, primarily targeting rich businessmen, those in the mining and construction sectors. She also posed as the wife of several high-profile businessmen, bureaucrats, and politicians as per the need of her plan to defraud her victim.

The Commissionerate Police on Monday apprehended Abhilipsa from the Patia area of Bhubaneswar following investigations into her alleged activities. As the inquiry progresses, the case has raised concerns regarding the vulnerability to deception techniques in an increasingly digital world.

Police suspect the involvement of more people in this con while a further probe into the incident has been launched. No comments could be obtained from Abhilipsa or officials of the Commissionerate Police in this connection.