Paralakhemundi: A youth leader of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was arrested in Odisha’s Gajapati district on Friday for his alleged involvement in ganja smuggling.
The leader, identified as Mosha Majhi, is also accused of encouraging cannabis cultivation and providing financial assistance for the illegal trade.
A resident of Birikot village under Adaba police limits, Majhi is also the district secretary of BJD and a former sarpanch of Birikot Panchayat.
Police sources said Majhi was allegedly involved in financing and supporting ganja cultivation activities by motivating local people and extending monetary assistance for illegal cannabis trade operations.
R Udayagiri SDPO R K Sahu along with a police team conducted a raid at the accused’s residence. During the search operation, police seized 55 ATM cards, five bank accounts, two mobile phones, five land documents and a car from the house.
Police said they had gathered evidence from various sources regarding the accused’s alleged involvement in illegal activities for a long time. Based on the available evidence and supporting documents, the accused was arrested and later produced before a court.
Further investigation is underway and efforts are on to apprehend others involved in the illegal network, police said.
