ED questions former youth Congress leader Bishwajit Patra for second day

Former Youth Congress leader Bishwajit Patra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for question for the second consecutive day on Saturday.

Following ED raids on sand mafia operations in Odisha’s Ganjam district, the central agency has intensified its questioning and is summoning individuals one after another. On the previous day, the ED questioned former Youth Congress leader Patra, also known as Hockey, for several hours. He was summoned again on Sunday morning for further interrogation.

According to reports, the investigating agency has received information regarding political links and financial irregularities connected to the illegal sand trade. The ED is now probing these angles in detail.

In connection with the Ganjam sand mafia raids, the ED has begun issuing summons to individuals involved and is expected to question several others after Patra. Other suspects and alleged mafia operatives may also be called in for questioning.

Earlier, on the 16th of the month, the ED conducted raids at the residences of more than six sand mafia operatives in Ganjam district. Searches were also carried out at the house of BJD leader Hrushikesh Padhi.

During the raids, the ED reportedly recovered cupboards filled with cash from the mafia operatives, leaving officials stunned. A total of Rs 2.63 crore in cash was seized during the operation. Additionally, ten high-end vehicles were also confiscated as part of the investigation.

As the investigation continues, more summons and possible seizures are expected in the coming days, with the agency aiming to establish the full extent of financial irregularities and political links involved.