Several people, who were evicted from their houses that were provided to them by Raja Karan, lodged a complaint with the Cuttack Municipal Corporation seeking justice on Monday.
Raja Karan had provided the houses constructed under EWS scheme at Andarpur in Cuttack to around 33 people illegally. He was arrested on February 4.
Taking the side of the duped people, the Cuttack City Congress also handed over a memorandum to the CMC authorities on Monday, demanding the case to be investigated by CBI. “We demand a CBI probe and stringent action against those unscrupulous officials and staff of the CMC who are involved in this illegal activities and thereby minting money. We urge the State government through the CMC Commissioner to rehabilitate the evicted people and return their hard-earned money,” said Giribala Behera, a leader of Cuttack City Congress.
When contacted, Commissioner of CMC, Ananya Das said besides the duped people, the CMC had also lodged a police complaint against the accused. "I have directed for an internal investigation as well and action will be taken against anyone who will be found involved in the episode,” Das added.
On the other hand, accused Raja Karan, who is on three-day remand, had to be admitted at SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) after his condition deteriorated.
Raja was arrested on February 4 and produced in court on the next day. The court had given the police three-day remand of the accused. On the first day of the remand, the police interrogated Raja who reportedly divulged many important details. Further investigation is underway to find out from how many people he took money, how he spent it and who all are involved in it. In this fraud matter, as many as five cases have been lodged against Raja.
“Our investigation is going on. During investigation, if anyone is found involved in the case will be brought into the purview of investigation. And, the duped people should have faith in us and come to us without any fear instead of further falling prey to others. So far, many of them have visited us and we have recorded their statements,” said ACP of Zone-6, Cuttack, Amarendra Panda on Monday.
On February 5, ACP Panda while addressing a press conference had said Raja had taken lakhs of rupees from people to allot the houses that are constructed under EWS scheme. He had even handed over such houses to around 33 people illegally by giving them duplicate documents along with notary affidavits.
Notably, the police had carried out a raid at Raja’s house in Kalyannagar area in Cuttack city on February 5 and seized cash amounting to Rs 14.9 lakh.
Raja is the husband of Ranjita Karan, who is a former BJD corporator of the CMC.