In a fresh development connected to one of Odisha’s most high-profile scandals, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the residence of Archana Nag. The action brings renewed focus on the alleged financial irregularities tied to her name. A specialised ED team is examining documents and valuables after issuing a prior notice, linking the move to the ongoing money laundering probe into her earlier activities.
Property Seized in Satyavihar
Reports confirm that the ED has temporarily attached Nag’s G+2 residence in Satyavihar, Bhubaneswar, where she served as Community Coordinator in Home, Education, and Public Health. The property has been frozen to block any transfer or sale during the investigation.
Once a figure of curiosity in Bhubaneswar’s elite circles, Nag shot to infamy in 2022 following allegations of intimate entrapment involving film personalities and other eminent figures.
Complaints and the Scandal’s Origins
The case took a dramatic turn when Odia film producer Akshay Parija accused police at Nayapalli station of threats and coercion. An FIR was registered under various sections of the IPC and IT Act, naming Nag and her associates.
Similarly, at Khandagiri police station, activist Shraddhanjali Behera lodged a complaint alleging blackmail and extortion through recorded material. Together, these complaints painted a picture of a sophisticated extortion racket targeting high-profile individuals.
Arrest, Jail Term, and Bail
Nag was arrested on October 6, 2022, with details of her alleged black money links soon surfacing. By December 13, 2022, the ED formally booked her in a money laundering case.
She spent over 14 months at Jharpada Special Jail before being released on December 12, 2023. Her husband Jagabandhu Chand and lawyer Jaydeep Pal were present during her release.
Later, the Orissa High Court granted her conditional bail in the ED case. Restrictions included a travel ban and mandatory cooperation with investigators.
New Raids Keep Case Alive
The latest ED raid shows that the probe is far from over. Officials suggest the investigation could soon expand to bank accounts and properties of others, given the large transactions under scrutiny.
The scandal continues to raise uncomfortable questions about the intersection of glamour, money, and power in Odisha, as well as the accountability of those involved.
For now, Archana Nag remains under a close legal watch, her freedom precariously balanced against ongoing investigations and possible new evidence.