Crime News / Former Odisha Minister’s Son Arrested In Cheating Case, Accused Refutes Allegations

Bhubaneswar, Aug 29: The Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested Ajit Kumar Sahu, son of former Odisha Transport Minister Nrusingha Charan Sahu, from an apartment in the Nuasahi area of Bhubaneswar's Nayapalli in connection with an alleged cheating case registered in Delhi, a source said.

The arrest was made on the basis of a warrant issued by the Patiala House Court in Delhi after Sahu allegedly failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons.

Case Filed Over Land Deal
According to a source, a complaint was lodged at Tughlak Road police station in New Delhi in 2024 alleging that Sahu had cheated Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar by promising to arrange land for him.

Based on the complaint, Tughlak Road police registered a case and launched an investigation. Sahu was subsequently issued repeated summonses to appear before the court.

Police said Sahu did not appear despite the summonses. The Patiala House Court later issued a warrant against him and declared him a proclaimed offender.

Warrant Executed In Bhubaneswar
Following the court order, police launched efforts to trace Sahu. After receiving information about his whereabouts, Commissionerate Police conducted a raid at an apartment in Nuasahi and arrested him.

The warrant issued by the Delhi court was subsequently executed in Bhubaneswar.

Also Read: Buried Gold And A Sound Box: Here's How Balangir Police Cracked Rs 3 Crore Theft Case

Sahu Denies Allegations
Sahu has denied the allegations and claimed that he was framed as part of a conspiracy.

He also disputed claims regarding the amount allegedly involved in the case. Sahu said the matter did not involve Rs 2 crore or any property and claimed that Rs 20 lakh had been exchanged.

According to Sahu, the dispute is over money he borrowed from Sujeet Kumar around 2022–23, when the MP was still in the Biju Janata Dal. The two, he said, had worked together for eight to ten years. He claimed he had already repaid 75 per cent of the amount and given a written assurance for the remaining 25 per cent. Lawyers for both sides, he added, have been discussing a repayment timeline.

Sahu further claimed that he had not received any summons or notice at his residence and questioned the circumstances leading to his arrest.

Further Legal Proceedings Underway
Further legal proceedings against Sahu will be carried out in accordance with the directions of the Delhi court and the investigating authorities.

The case remains under investigation.

It can be mentioned here that former BJD leader Sujeet Kumar had resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha on September 6, 2024. Afterwards, he joined the BJP at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Following his switch, he was elected unopposed back to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP candidate in December 2024 and took oath for his new term.