Umarkote, Jun 22: Police in Odisha's Nabarangpur district unearthed a major education fraud racket and arrested a man accused of cheating students by promising admission and successful completion of BEd and other higher education courses through fake documents and false assurances.

The accused, identified as Ramakant Behera, a native of Bargarh district, was arrested by Umarkote police following allegations that he duped several students by collecting money in the name of securing admissions in recognised universities.

Fake Academy Used To Lure Students
According to police, Ramakant was operating an institution named "Shree Education Academy" at Dhodra village under Umarkote.

Police said he allegedly assured students that he could facilitate admissions into BEd and other higher education programmes in various universities. Based on these claims, he reportedly collected substantial amounts of money from aspiring candidates.

Fake Documents Used To Gain Trust
During the investigation, police found that the accused allegedly projected himself as an influential person with links to different universities.

To convince students and guardians, he reportedly displayed fake admission papers, forged certificates and fabricated university-related documents. Police said these forged documents were used to create an impression that admissions had already been processed.

Students Allegedly Paid Up To Rs 50,000 Each
Police sources said the accused allegedly collected between Rs 45,000 and Rs 50,000 from each student.

After taking the money, he allegedly kept delaying the admission and examination process on various pretexts, including claims that examinations had been postponed. When students began seeking updates, he reportedly shut down the institution and went into hiding.

Police Seize Certificates And Forged Papers
As part of the investigation, police seized several payment receipts, application forms, fake university documents, BEd examination-related papers and original educational certificates belonging to students.

The seized materials are being examined as evidence in the case.

Accused Produced In Court
Based on preliminary evidence, police arrested Ramakant Behera and produced him before the JMFC Court in Umarkote.

Umarkote Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Shubhendu Kumar Sabar said the investigation is continuing and the role of any other individuals involved in the fraud will be examined.

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He said further action would be taken against all persons found connected to the racket as per law.

Police Issue Advisory To Students
Following the incident, Umarkote police advised students and guardians to thoroughly verify the authenticity and recognition status of educational institutions before seeking admission.

Police appealed to anyone who may have fallen victim to the alleged fraud to contact Umarkote police station and assist in the ongoing investigation.