Special team seizes cash, gold, vehicles; hunt on for prime accused

Cyber police in Cuttack registered a major sextortion case on January 19, 2026, after a retired 72-year-old state government employee was duped of nearly Rs 88 lakh.

Investigators revealed that the prime accused, Saroj Kumar Jena, along with associates, first contacted the victim through Facebook in January 2025. They gained his trust through repeated meetings at Roxy Hotel, Sagar Hotel, and Jagabandhu Hotel, offering false assurances.

In May 2025, the victim transferred ₹1.48 lakh to Saroj for alleged medical treatment. Saroj repaid the amount within two months, further strengthening trust. Later, he demanded money again for his daughter’s treatment. When the victim refused, Saroj devised a plan to extort money.

The accused made a WhatsApp video call involving a nude woman and secretly recorded it. They then blackmailed the victim, threatening to circulate the video on social media. Under continuous intimidation, the victim transferred large sums of money, amounting to ₹88 lakh.

Arrests and Raids

Under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, a special team led by ACP Satyajit Das launched raids. On January 19, police arrested four accused from Jajpur district and one from Bhubaneswar.

Arrested persons:

• Manoj Kumar Jena (27), Jajpur
• Prafulla Kumar Biswal (65), Jajpur
• Sangram Jena (22), Jajpur
• Basudev Rout (25), Jajpur
• Manaranjan Routray (60), Bhubaneswar

Police seized Rs 14,00,460 in cash, 16 silver coins, gold ornaments including earrings, rings, chains, and mangalsutra, one TVS iQube scooter, and a Royal Enfield Bullet. Over Rs 5 lakh was frozen in bank accounts, with more accounts under verification.

Ongoing Investigation

The special team continues raids to apprehend the prime accused, Saroj Kumar Jena, and dismantle the wider network. Officials confirmed that all arrested individuals will be forwarded to court.