Honey-trap case in Bhubaneswar: ED likely to probe money laundering trail

BHUBANESWAR: Already facing the heat from the commissionerate police, Archana Nag (28), who was arrested here on November 6 for allegedly extorting huge amounts of money from influential people may land in further trouble as the enforcement directorate (ED) is likely to dig into the money laundering aspect of the high-profile case.

Though the commissionerate police have not recommended the ED to probe the money laundering angle, the Central agency is planning to take suo-motu cognizance of the case.

"We had taken up some sensational fraud and cheating cases, involving eye-popping value of assets, registered by the state police and vigilance directorate. This honey-trapping case fits into our category of cases we deal with. We have kept a close watch on the developments," an ED official said.

Police said Nag and her husband Jagabandhu Chand, who hailed from lower middle class families, accumulated assets worth crores of rupees in the last four years. A part of their opulent lifestyle came to the fore when cops raided their three-storey bungalow in Satya Vihar area, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

The building that looked like a star hotel has highly expensive interior articles and appliances. Cost of the building would be around Rs 7 crore. Besides, the couple had reportedly purchased costly SUVs, pets and a stallion.

Police said the couple was not extorting money in thousands, but in lakhs and crores. It was evident from the complaint of Ollywood film producer Akshay Kumar Parija against Nag at the Nayapalli police station, a few days ago.

In his complaint, a copy of which is with the TOI, Nag demanded Rs 3 crore from Parija and threatened him to spoil his career and reputation by circulating his obscene photos/videos on media.

Police said Nag had asked a girl to develop friendship with Parija on social media. Nag tried to blackmail Parija by claiming that she possessed his objectionable videos with the girl.

"We are trying to find out how the couple mopped up huge assets in a short span," a senior police officer said. Earlier on Sunday, deputy commissioner of police Prateek Singh said the police have sought details of the couple's bank deposits and investments from the RBI.


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