The Commissionerate Police in Odisha have apprehended five individuals linked to a sextortion incident involving a 72-year-old retired State Government worker who was scammed of Rs 88 lakh in Cuttack. The main accused, Saroj Kumar Jena, and his associates established contact with the victim via Facebook in January 2025, gradually earning the victim’s trust through personal meetings at various hotels in Cuttack.
Saroj Kumar Jena requested money from the victim under the guise of medical expenses in May 2025. Initially, the victim transferred Rs 1.48 lakh online to the accused, which was promptly repaid, reinforcing the victim’s confidence. Subsequently, Saroj demanded more money for his daughter’s treatment, and when the victim declined, he resorted to extortion tactics.
Using deceptive methods, the accused coerced the victim by making a WhatsApp video call featuring a nude woman, recording it without consent. They then threatened to circulate the video on social media, extorting a total of ₹88 lakh from the victim through blackmail and intimidation. Following the victim’s complaint, a case was registered, leading to the arrest of four suspects in Jajpur district and one in Bhubaneswar, with cash, gold ornaments, and vehicles seized from them.
Efforts are ongoing to capture the prime suspect, Saroj Kumar Jena, who is currently evading authorities.
