Hailing from tribal-dominated Kalahandi district to setting up her empire by blackmailing biggies in Bhubaneswar, the journey of Archana Nag is nothing short of a Bollywood movie.
In a span of few years, Archana along with her husband Jagabandhu Chand, reached heights that are unachievable even in 7 births. The secret to their easy money was ‘Intimate chat, Photos and Videos’. Jagabandhu shortlisted his victims first, Archana then chatted with them on social media and finally called them to her house where the trap was laid.
Not thousands or lakhs, the couple blackmailed and extorted in crores from their victims. Their jaw-dropping bungalow, foreign dogs, horse, and high-end cars are enough proofs that the couple was living their dream with the money. Most of her victims were politicians, high-profile businessmen, government officials and even film producers and directors.
Going back to Archana’s journey, she hails from Kesinga in Kalahandi district. After leaving their ancestral village Kenduguda under Lanjigarh block, her family has been residing in Kesinga. Archana is the eldest daughter. However, her journey from Kesinga to Bhubaneswar and establishing her empire is still filled with mystery.
Similarly, her husband Jagabandhu hails from a below-poverty family in Jaleswar of Balasore district. Till now, his family lives in a thatched hut in the village. There was a time when he worked as an assistant at his father’s small grocery store.
However, he moved to Bhubaneswar and was working at a hotel. Later, he came in contact with Archana and married her. The couple can make any international conman a run for their money.
When asked about Archana, a local Nihar Ranjan Mishra said, “She was born in Lanjigarh and had studied in Kesinga, because her mother was working here. We haven’t seen her in years.”
Similarly, Jagabandhu’s fellow villager said, “As far as I remember, he used to run a grocery shop with his father. His brother was also my classmate. That was the last I have seen him.”
Hailing from tribal-dominated Kalahandi, Archana had become the ‘Queen Bee’ to trap politicians, businessmen, government officials, producers, directors, and actors.
On the other hand, the surfacing of a photo of the couple with many politicians like Odisha Cabinet Minister Jagannath Sarka, Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, BJD leader Surjya Narayan Patro and Manmath Routray, son of veteran Congress leader, Suresh Routray has fuelled more speculations of their links with the ruling Biju Janata Dal.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh addressing a press meet said, “A case was registered against Archana Nag on October 2 at Khandagiri police station. The case 496/22 has been registered against her under 387, 420 and 506 IT Act. Her modus operandi was she first very cunningly developed friendship with the victims. She then called them to her house and got intimate with them. She then recorded intimate videos through secret cameras and later blackmailed the victims, who of whom were from influential backgrounds.”
“A probe into the whole incident has already begun. We have also sent notice to her husband to appear before the police. A pen drive, laptop, bank passbooks have been seized from her house. The police are also looking into her bank details and transactions. All necessary details have been sought from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Efforts are also on to identify all the victims, who were blackmailed by the lady blackmailer,” the DCP added.