No bail for Archana Nag in honey-trap case

The Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Bhubaneswar on Monday turned down the bail application of Archana Nag who has been arrested for allegedly honey trapping many high-profile people and extorting money.

While hearing her plea, the SDJM refused to release the lady blackmailer on bail, who has been accused of honey-trapping bigwigs including politicians, producers, directors, businessmen and government officials and extorting money from them.

Notably, the court had on Friday reserved the order on her bail plea after hearing arguments from the counsels appearing for the accused as well as the prosecution.

During the hearing, Archana’s lawyer had argued that all the allegations and cases registered against his client are baseless and prayed the court to release her on bail. He had also sought the case diary in the case.

On the other hand, the prosecution side argued that Archana was booked under Sections including 370, 328 and IT Act 66(E) and 67. So, it would be risky to release her on bail as she could influence the investigation process. 

After hearing both sides, the court had reserved the bail orders. Today, he bail petition has been turned down. 

On charges of honey-trapping high-profile people and extorting money from them, police arrested Archana on October 7.

She has been lodged in Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar. The police have not yet sought the remand of the accused.

Now questions are being raised as to why the police are not taking her on remand to grill even though ten days have passed since her arrest. It is being discussed that her grilling will expose several bigwigs. 

On the other hand, Archana’s husband Jagabandhu Chand and his associate Khageswar Patra have allegedly gone incommunicado.