Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Thursday at multiple locations associated with former Odisha Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Prafulla Samal in Bhadrak and Bhubaneswar. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged Rs 20 crore land scam.
According to sources, simultaneous raids were carried out at ten places, including the residences of the legislator in Sabana Bazaar and the former principal of Barapada Engineering College in Apartibindha, Bhadrak.
The investigation is reportedly linked to suspected financial irregularities at Barapada Engineering College in Bhadrak. Prafulla Samal, who represents Bhandaripokhari constituency, and his son Prayaskanti Samal, who holds a position in the state BJD, are accused of embezzling funds collected from students as fees to purchase lands and flats in Bhubaneswar and other locations. It is alleged that Prayaskanti used the engineering college funds to purchase over 20 cars, which were subsequently sold.
As of now, the ED officials have not issued any official statement regarding the raids.
The raids mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged land scam and financial irregularities. Authorities continue to probe the matter to uncover any wrongdoing and ensure accountability in the handling of funds related to the engineering college. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
