Overseas Job Fraud Racket Busted: Key Accused Arrested by Brahmapur Police
Over 500 Job Seekers Allegedly Duped on Promise of Singapore Jobs
News Desk, Odishabarta
Brahmapur, September 27, 2026:Brahmapur Police have arrested a key accused in a multi-state overseas job fraud case in which more than 500 unemployed youths were allegedly duped on the promise of lucrative jobs in Singapore.
The accused, identified as Balaram Maharana (38), son of Nirakar Maharana of Gopinathpur Mali Sahi under Hinjili Police Station in Ganjam district, was arrested by B. Sadar Police on September 27, 2026, at around 11.30 AM. He was subsequently forwarded to the Hon’ble Court.
The case relates to B. Sadar PS Case No. 141/2019, registered on June 1, 2019, under Sections 468, 471, 419, 420, 323, 506 and 34 of the IPC, based on a written complaint lodged by B. Giridhari Rao.
Fake Consultancy, Singapore Job Promise
According to the police investigation, the accused persons allegedly operated a fake recruitment agency under the name “Job Track Consultancy and Training Centre” at Bhabinipur. Through posters, banners and leaflets, they allegedly attracted unemployed youths by promising jobs at Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.
The accused allegedly conducted fake interviews and collected around ₹30,000 from each applicant towards passport, air ticket and work-permit expenses. Police said original passports of at least 190 applicants were also taken by the accused.
Investigators further alleged that the accused supplied fake medical certificates, computer-generated forged appointment letters and work permits, besides fake air tickets showing a Chennai–Bangkok–Singapore route.
After collecting the money, the accused allegedly switched off their mobile phones and went absconding. When some victims reportedly demanded refunds, they were allegedly threatened and assaulted with the assistance of anti-social elements.
Principal Accused Arrested Earlier
Police said the principal accused in the case, Subrat Kumar Palo (45), had earlier been arrested on December 24, 2025.
During the investigation, police also found that Palo was allegedly wanted in connection with a similar fraud case registered at Vizianagaram Rural Police Station in Andhra Pradesh, indicating an inter-state dimension to the alleged job fraud network.
Investigation Underway
Police said a spot visit has been conducted and witnesses have been examined as part of the investigation. Balaram Maharana was allegedly changing his place
