ED raids Ganjam BJD leader Hrushikesh Padhi’s residences over Disproportionate Assets allegations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out searches at multiple premises linked to Ganjam district BJD leader and contractor Hrushikesh Padhi as part of an investigation into alleged disproportionate assets.

According to information, three ED teams conducted raids early in the morning at Padhi’s ancestral house in Sheragada. Simultaneously, searches were also underway at his son’s residence in Jayaprakash Nagar in Berhampur. Another raid was reported at the time of filing this report at a premises in Gandhi Nagar area of Berhampur.

Hrushikesh Padhi is currently serving as the vice-president of the Ganjam district BJD.

Allegations Of Disproportionate Assets

The searches are being conducted following allegations of possession of disproportionate assets. Padhi is known to be a contractor who later entered politics. After securing a senior organisational position in the BJD and taking charge as district vice-president, he was reportedly associated with several business ventures alongside his political role.

As per reports, he owns a petrol pump and a pipe showroom. Questions were raised over the manner in which he allegedly accumulated significant assets within a relatively short period, following which allegations of disproportionate assets surfaced, leading to the present ED action.

Security Tightened At Raid Sites

Armed police personnel have been deployed at the locations where the searches are being carried out. Entry into the premises has been restricted, and access is reportedly not being allowed.

At the time of reporting, police personnel stationed outside the raid locations were not permitting anyone, including media professionals, to enter the premises. Officials on duty were also not sharing any details related to the ongoing searches.

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Further details are awaited as the investigation continues and the ED proceeds with its action at the different locations linked to the BJD leader.