Rising Fraud Cases in Odisha
In recent years, Odisha has seen a concerning surge in high-profile fraud cases, exposing vulnerabilities in both digital security and public trust. The latest scandal involves Hansita Abhilipsa and Anil Mohanty, an imposter duo whose audacious schemes have earned them the nickname “real-life Bunty and Babli.” Their elaborate fraud, involving impersonation and digital deception, has brought to light the ease with which cunning individuals can exploit social connections and digital tools to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Income Tax Raids Across Three States
the Income Tax (I-T) Department conducted simultaneous raids at 12 locations linked to Hansita and Anil across Bhubaneswar, Delhi, and Jharkhand. These operations targeted properties belonging to the duo, who are accused of impersonating relatives of PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to amass unaccounted wealth and evade taxes.
The raids uncovered a wealth of luxury assets, including high-end cars and significant cash reserves, raising suspicions about the true scale of their financial operations. Authorities are currently scrutinizing their transactions to trace the sources of these ill-gotten gains.
Modus Operandi: A Web of Deceit
Hansita and Anil, though not married, lived in a high-profile apartment in Raghunathpur, Bhubaneswar, posing as husband and wife. Their fraudulent schemes revolved around impersonation and deception. Hansita allegedly doctored photographs featuring prominent public officials, including former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, to lend credibility to her false claims.
By posing as the daughter and son-in-law of PK Mishra, the duo convinced victims—primarily wealthy businessmen in the mining and construction sectors—that they had powerful connections capable of influencing tenders and government decisions. Hansita even posed as the spouse of various high-profile individuals, including businessmen, bureaucrats, and politicians, adapting her persona to suit her fraudulent plans.
Police Investigations and Arrests
The Commissionerate Police apprehended Hansita on Monday from the Patia area of Bhubaneswar after an extensive investigation into her activities. Following this, police raided the duo’s office premises but found them locked, with employees fleeing before authorities arrived.
Police have deployed patrols in the area to prevent tampering with evidence and are investigating the possible involvement of more accomplices in the fraudulent operations. The case highlights the vulnerabilities posed by digital manipulation and the growing sophistication of modern fraud techniques.
A Wake-Up Call for the Digital Era
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in an increasingly interconnected and digitalized world. Hansita’s ability to digitally manipulate photographs and build false narratives around her connections with influential figures points to the urgent need for stronger safeguards against identity fraud and deception.
Lessons from a Brazen Fraud
The unraveling of Hansita and Anil’s elaborate schemes sheds light on the lengths to which fraudsters can go to exploit trust and technological loopholes. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for authorities and citizens alike to learn from this incident and prioritize measures to prevent similar frauds in the future.
For Odisha and beyond, this case serves as a wake-up call, urging stricter vigilance and robust frameworks to counteract the ever-evolving tactics of con artists. In an age of digital manipulation, trust must be fortified with accountability and awareness.
(With inputs from agencies)
