Bhubaneswar: Prayaskanti, the son of former Minister and Bhandaripokhari MLA Prafulla Samal, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, in connection with the ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities at Barapada Engineering College.
The central probing agency had previously summoned both father and son to appear before it with all relevant documents concerning the college. Following the ED’s directive, Prayaskanti complied and presented himself before the agency for questioning.
The ED’s inquiry focuses on suspicions of financial mismanagement and embezzlement of funds at Barapada Engineering College in Bhadrak, with both Prafulla Samal and his son under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in the matter.
Earlier in February, Prafulla Samal underwent an eight-hour interrogation session at the ED’s office in Bhubaneswar. The investigations stem from allegations that the duo siphoned off substantial sums of money collected as fees from students to purchase properties, including land and flats in Bhubaneswar and other locations.
Despite prior complaints against Samal and his son, no formal action was initiated, prompting the ED’s intervention in the case. The agency’s scrutiny intensified with raids conducted on multiple premises linked to Prafulla Samal, including residences and properties in Bhadrak and Bhubaneswar.
During these raids, the ED seized significant assets, including a car and Rs 10 lakh in cash from Prayaskanti’s residence in Palaspalli, Bhubaneswar. Additionally, the former principal’s residence at Barapada Engineering College was also subject to a search operation by the ED, indicating the breadth of the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.
