Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Balasore, Jun 22:

As many as 11 persons were detained by police after they were spotted roaming near the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) of Indian Army's Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha's Balasore district.

detained

Three fake identity cards and two cars were seized from them. Following their detention and interrogation at Chandipur police station, it was revealed that they had come to the place with a broker namely Bodhisatwa Parida who had made false promise to them to provide jobs at the ITR. They managed to get past the first gate of the PXE by showing the fake ID cards, sources said.

Their motive behind the visit was to enquire about their 'fake' recruitment as they were provided with ID cards by the broker without any appointment letter, sources added.

According to information, the job aspirants had appeared in the exam for the recruitment. While discussing regarding the recruitment at a shop, they came in contact with the broker. He promised them to provide jobs at the ITR saying that he knows a colonel who was earlier working in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The broker had demanded Rs 4 lakh each from the aspirants and has already received Rs 2 lakh from each of them.

Police are trying to establish the identity of the colonel on the basis of whose the broker had assured the aspirants to provide jobs at the ITR.

A complaint against the broker has been lodged at the Chandipur police station. "After examining the ID cards, we came to know that these are fake. We have lodged a complaint at the police station in this regard," said complainant Dhiren Kumar Patra.

"The broker came here with the candidates yesterday. After interrogation, it was revealed that he had given fake ID cards to three of the candidates. Bodhisatwa Parida, the broker, has been arrested. He had brought them here on the pretext of providing jobs at the PXE. Another person involved in the incident is absconding. Investigation into the matter is in progress, " said Chandipur police station OIC Rajendra Kumar Das.