In a dramatic turn in the long-running honeytrap and extortion case, Archana Nag, the woman arrested in 2022, has made explosive allegations against senior leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and high-ranking Odisha police officials. Speaking at a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Nag claimed she was the victim of a political conspiracy aimed at silencing her.
Targeted to Prevent Her from Speaking Out, Claims Nag
Nag alleged that her arrest was orchestrated to suppress her voice and accused senior BJD leaders—Bobby Das, Manas Mangaraj, and Amaresh Jena—of framing her in the case. She also implicated senior police officials, including then-DCP Prateek Singh, ACP Prakash Pal, and former IICs Himansu Sahu and Anup Kanungo, of collusion in what she called a “politically motivated conspiracy.”
Allegation of Attempted Poisoning in Jail
In one of the most shocking claims, Nag said there was an attempt to murder her inside jail by injecting her with poison during a “jail parade.” “They tried to eliminate me with a poisonous injection,” she stated, crediting fellow inmates for saving her life.
Questioned Role of Balianta Police and Tampering of Evidence
Nag questioned why she was arrested by Balianta Police when the FIR was registered at Khandagiri Police Station, suggesting irregular procedures. She also accused the authorities of destroying CCTV evidence from her home, alleging that hard drives were wiped clean and seized materials tampered with.
Mentally Tortured, Forced to Flee State, Says Nag
Nag claimed she was mentally tortured during her time in jail and was threatened into leaving Odisha. She further alleged that she was coerced into signing a document declaring herself mentally unstable and was asked to call a suicide helpline under pressure from jail officials.
‘Group Trying to Erase Me from Odisha’
According to Nag, a powerful political group has been working to force her out of the state. “They want to erase me from Odisha. They’re doing everything possible to make sure I don’t return,” she alleged.
BJD Responds: ‘Prove It in Court’
Reacting to the allegations, former BJD MLA Latika Pradhan stated, “If someone is making such serious claims, they must prove them in court. The law will determine the truth. Allegations without proof mean nothing.”
Amaresh Jena, one of the accused BJD leaders, dismissed the charges as false and reiterated that the matter is sub judice. “I don’t know why my name was dragged into this. If the judiciary demands, we are ready for investigation,” he said.
Background of the Case
Archana Nag was arrested in October 2022 by Bhubaneswar Police for allegedly running a multi-crore honeytrap and extortion racket, targeting influential politicians and businessmen. The case gained notoriety due to its sensational nature and political ramifications.
According to police, Nag had written to a lawyer demanding ₹50 lakh in exchange for not releasing compromising videos, allegedly amounting to 25 GB of footage. Investigators also uncovered a pattern of blackmail involving a transwoman posing as the advocate’s “wife,” which formed a part of the broader criminal conspiracy.
Released on Bail, But Controversy Continues
Nag was granted bail by the Odisha High Court in December 2023, but her allegations have reignited public and political debate. Her latest claims—ranging from attempts on her life to political victimisation—are expected to intensify scrutiny on the original case and those named in her accusations.