ED raids Hi-Tech Group office in Bhubaneswar over money laundering links and land fraud

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out a raid on Thursday on the office of Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust (VBCT) located at Sahid Nagar in Bhubaneswar, linked to the Hi-Tech Group of Institutions.

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The action was initiated by Kolkata unit of the central agency following allegations of large-scale financial irregularities.

The search operation is focused on suspected money laundering and mismanagement, and possible illegal transactions linked to the trust. Investigators are also examining a potential Mumbai connection in the case as part of a broader financial trail.

The raid is being conducted in connection with alleged land fraud involving Sahara India properties in Berhampur City of Ganjam district. Complaints suggest that land linked to the Sahara India was acquired by Hi-Tech Group through fraudulent means, prompting further investigation by the ED.

Apart from the Sahid Nagar office, searches are underway at five locations associated with the trust, including premises linked to Hi-Tech Medical College. The ED is also carrying out searches targeting the head of the charitable trust.

So far, no official response has been received from the Hi-Tech Medical College authorities regarding the ongoing searches. No comments were even received from the ED.