Over Rs 10 lakh cash seized; BJD woman panellist among three detained

Amid the ongoing 2024 elections, police seized cash over Rs 10 lakh from a car on the Boudh-Nayagarh border during vehicle checking.  As per reports, a woman BJD leader identified as Apurba Aparupa was present in the vehicle. 

Purnakatak Police has detained the woman BJD leader along with another woman and the car driver. All the three were being interrogated, said sources.

Apurba Aparupa is one of BJD's media panellists. Her photographs with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik & party leader VK Pandian have also surfaced.

Police are investigating the source of the cash and its destination. 

Though OTV reporter contacted the police, the cops did not divulge anything about the matter.  

Also Read | Cash seizure continues in poll-bound Odisha; surveillance and other measures intensified

On hearing about the cash seizure, local leaders rushed to the police station, but they were denied entry. They alleged that police are trying to hush up the issue as it is linked to the ruling party.   

No comments have been received from the concerned BJD leader and the party.

'Detainees released after preliminary verification'

After over 8 hours of detention, the media panellist and others were released after preliminary verification of documents related to the cash seizure.

Speaking to the media, an official of the Income Tax Department, who is a member of the flying squad, said, “We released them after preliminary verification of their documents.  Further proceedings are underway.”

He added that on behalf of the Income Tax Department, he has done what was necessary in this case. However, the IT official did not reveal about the exact amount of cash seized from the car. 

Another member of the flying squad said that the details of the cash seizure would be sent to the Collector. “After verification, it can be ascertained if the cash was illegal or not,” he added.