BJD leader Elina Das denies link with Balle Balle Dhaba, moves High Court seeking curb on media reports

Denying her link with the controversial ‘Balle Balle Dhaba and Family Restaurant’ located on the premises of Dharmasala Bhawan, BJD leader Elina Das moved the Orissa High Court on Thursday seeking a curb on reports being published in some sections of media and social media platforms in this regard. 

It has been alleged by some local people that Elina’s husband was managing the dhaba in which MPLAD and MLALAD funds were allegedly used. They also alleged that crores of rupees were distributed at the place during the time of the 2024 General Elections.

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However, Elina has refuted the allegations against her and the family members. According to Elina, neither she nor any of her family members have any kind of links with the dhaba.

“Elina has no link with the Dhaba. She has never been to the dhaba. There is no evidence linking her with the dhaba. As Elina is a BJD leader, several misleading reports about her character have been published in some sections of media and various social media platforms. To keep a curb on these reports and conduct a proper inquiry into the matter, we have moved the High Court,” said Elina’s lawyer Byomakesh Tripathy.

As per reports, the dhaba has been locked by the district administration.

It was earlier alleged that the dhaba was given to the woman BJD leader on lease without any documents. Dharmasala’s former BJD MLA Pranab Balabantaray was allegedly managing the show from behind the scenes.

The irregularities were detected by MLA Himanshu Sahu during the block inspection. Subsequently, a notice was served to the dhaba to vacate the place.

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