Bhubaneswar, Sep 16: In a shocking case of employment fraud, Naresh Barik has been arrested by Badagada police for allegedly duping a youth of ₹18 lakh by issuing a fake joining letter in the name of National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco).

The arrest followed a formal complaint lodged at the local police station.

According to police sources, Barik provided the victim with forged documents including a fake Nalco joining letter, gate pass, and medical fitness certificate, convincing him of a legitimate job offer. The youth, believing the offer to be genuine, paid ₹18 lakh to secure the position.

Upon investigation, police seized all fake documents from Barik’s possession. The accused was taken into custody and is being interrogated for further leads. Authorities are also probing whether others were similarly defrauded and if a larger network is involved.

The incident has raised serious concerns about rising job scams targeting unemployed youth in the region.