Key Accused In Odisha Honeytrap Archana Nag Case Arrested After ED Raids
Key Accused In Odisha Honeytrap Archana Nag Case Arrested After ED Raids
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Bhubaneswar, Nov 11: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Khageswar Patra for questioning in connection with the honeytrap operation led by Archana Nag and her husband Jagabandhu Chand in Odisha's capital on Friday, following simultaneous raids at six locations.
Following Thursday raids and 20 hours of marathon questioning, the couple's business colleague was arrested, revealing money transfers between Archana and Patra. Since 2017, the central agency has discovered bank transaction links and seized his mobile phone, computer, hard disc, incriminating material, and car. According to sources, he is expected to place him on custody for additional interrogation in the matter.
Jagabandhu and his friend Patra sold used vehicles. He reportedly spent a lot of money on the showroom after Patra expanded his business by creating a used automobile shop on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The ED recently registered a money laundering case against the couple and their two associates — Patra and Sradhanjali Behera — after they were accused of amassing over Rs 30 crore in just four years by extorting large sums of money from high-profile people such as political leaders, ministers, business owners, and other bigwigs.
Archana and Jagabandhu are being held in Jharpada Special Jail after being detained on October 6 and October 20, respectively, by Khandagiri police. Sradhanjali, the fourth accused in the case, said that the trio coerced her into a prostitution-cum-extortion racket.
According to the authorities, the duo was extorting money in the lakhs and crores by threatening to reveal personal videos of its victims. Archana, according to Odia film producer Akshay Kumar Parija, demanded Rs 3 crore from him and threatened to damage his career and reputation by releasing his obscene photos/videos in the public.
