Odisha Honeytrap Case: ED On Trail Of Rs 2.5 Cr In Archana Nag’s Accounts, ‘Missing’ Associate

Bhubaneswar: The ‘missing’ SUV has been seized, 10-day remand of honeytrap kingpin Archana Nag’s associate Khageswar Patra has ended but the whereabouts of ally-turned-foe Shradhanjali Behera is not known yet. “Shradhanjali’s mobile phone is switched off and she is frequently changing her location,” said sources in Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The agency is also on the trail of Rs 2.5 crore allegedly deposited in the accounts of Archana Naga and her husband Jagabandhu Chand, accused of extorting huge amounts from several influential people by threatening to release photos and videos of their intimate moments, between 2017 and 2022.

According to reports, the agency is trying to trace those who made those huge deposits in the accounts of the couple, currently lodged in Jharapad Special Jail, and the purpose. Notices have been issued to 12 people, including some businessmen and filmmaker Akshay Kumar Parija, to depose for questioning in connection with the racket.

Parija has been directed to appear before ED on Tuesday. He was earlier asked to appear before the agency on November 19 but had requested some more time citing health issues after returning back from Bangkok. Archana had allegedly demanded Rs 3 crore from him after capturing his obscene photographs/videos.

A probe to unravel the mystery surrounding the SUV, which was found abandoned at Mancheswar industrial estate area on Saturday, has also begun. It is believed that the vehicle worth Rs 37 lakh was a gift from a politician. An ED officer said that Archana had transferred Rs 2 lakh to the account of the showroom and paid the remaining Rs 35 lakh in cash. “She did not take any loan. We are trying to find out how she got so much cash. A Mahindra Thar belonging to her has also been seized,” he added.