Bhubaneswar: Trouble has mounted for Odisha’s honeytrap racket kingpin Archana Nag with Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday arresting business partner Khageswar Patra and Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money seeking a report from the central agency on illegal money transactions made by her.
According to sources, details on the illegal money transactions made by Archana are likely to be discussed in a meeting of the SIT to be held in New Delhi on November 13. Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Arijit Pasayat is the Deputy Chairman of the two-member SIT.
Notably, a money laundering case was recently filed against Archana, her husband Jagabandhu Chand and two associates — Patra and Sradhanjali Behera.
The blackmailer and her husband allegedly amassed assets worth around Rs 30 crore within a span of four years from 2018 to 2022 by extorting a huge amount of money from high-profile people including political leaders, ministers, businessmen and other bigwigs.
The ED arrested the couple’s business partner following raids at his house and showroom on Thursday and 20 hours of marathon grilling after it found evidence of financial traction between them since 2017. Mobile, computer, hard disk, incriminating material and a vehicle were also seized.
Also Read: Key Accused In Odisha Honeytrap Case Arrested After ED Raids
After coming in contact with Archana and Jagabandhu, Patra expanded his business with a used car showroom at Hansapal, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The central agency is also verifying receipts and payments made through Archana’s bank accounts, the sources added.
