Rabinarayan Das, a resident of Kendrapada district in West Bengal, pretended to be a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and convinced a job seeker in Odisha to hand over ₹20 lakh under the pretense of a government appointment. The scam surfaced when the victim lodged a complaint with the local police.

How the Scam Unfolded

Das repeatedly contacted the victim via phone and email, presenting forged appointment letters, fake government IDs, and a convincing narrative that the victim had cleared a high‑profile IAS‑related position. He demanded a hefty processing fee, citing “official documentation” and “security clearance” costs, which the victim paid in full.

Police Investigation

Odisha law enforcement promptly registered an FIR and began a thorough probe. Investigators examined Das’s bank transaction history, mobile number logs, and current address. They discovered that Das is presently residing near the Uttarpara police station in Hooghly district, West Bengal, and that he possesses multiple counterfeit identification documents used to facilitate the fraud.

Contextual Background

Government jobs in India continue to attract immense competition, especially among youth seeking stable careers. This demand creates a fertile ground for fraudsters who exploit the aspirants’ hopes by posing as senior officials. Cross‑state scams, such as this one linking West Bengal and Odisha, highlight gaps in inter‑state police coordination and the need for heightened vigilance.

Next Steps

Authorities have issued a warrant for Das’s arrest and are pursuing all legal avenues to bring him to justice. Simultaneously, officials have issued public warnings urging job seekers to verify any government‑related communication through official channels before making any financial transactions.