Berhampur Town Police Arrest Fake BJP Leader’s PA for Extortion
News Odishabarta
BERHAMPUR, June 20: Berhampur Town Police have arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly impersonating the Personal Assistant (PA) of BJP National President Shri Nitin Navin and extorting money from political workers through fraudulent phone calls.
The accused, identified as Jagannath Mandal, son of Sisira Mandal and a resident of Mahanty Street, Panchama under Golanthara Police Station limits, was arrested in connection with Berhampur Town PS Case No. 279 dated June 19, 2026, registered under Sections 340(2), 351(2)(4) and 296 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to police, complainant Rajesh Kumar Patra (33) lodged a written report stating that on April 1, 2026, at around 10 PM, he received a WhatsApp call from mobile number 9692243697, which was saved as “NITIN NAVIN PA”. The caller introduced himself as the Personal Assistant of BJP National President Shri Nitin Navin and demanded Rs. 50,000 for party-related work. He allegedly threatened to lodge a complaint against Patra before the local MLA if the money was not paid.
In a similar incident, Ganesh Nahak (23), who was working as an assistant to the MLA of Chikiti, reported receiving a WhatsApp call from the same number on April 1 at about 10 PM. The caller again claimed to be the PA of Shri Nitin Navin and demanded Rs. 50,000. When Nahak questioned his identity, the caller allegedly threatened to file a false complaint against him before the BJP leader.
Based on Nahak’s complaint, Badabazar Police Station registered Case No. 433 dated June 19, 2026, under the same sections of the BNS.
During the investigation, police seized several incriminating materials from the accused, including screenshots provided by the complainants and a Samsung mobile phone allegedly used in the commission of the offence.
Police records reveal that Jagannath Mandal was previously involved in Badabazar PS Case No. 429 dated December 11, 2024, registered under Sections 64(1), 351(2), 296 and 115(2) of the BNS. He was arrested and forwarded to court on December 13, 2024.
Investigators said the accused frequently moved between Surat and Berhampur and was allegedly involved in fraudulent activities, including making hoax calls to political workers while impersonating personal assistants of prominent political leaders.
The accused has been arrested and forwarded to the court. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether more persons were targeted through similar fraudulent calls.
Public Advisory
Berhampur Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against impersonation and extortion attempts. Members of the public are advised to verify the identity and credentials of individuals claiming to represent political leaders, political parties, or government officials before responding to financial demands or sharing sensitive information.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have received similar calls in the name of popular political leaders to immediately report the matter to the nearest police station so that appropriate legal action can be taken
