2 BJD Youth Wing Members Arrested in Drug Trafficking Case

Paradip: Acting on a tip-off, a team of Odisha excise department sleuths conducted a raid, leading to the apprehension of two individuals associated with the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student wing of the ruling BJD party.

During the operation, the excise team seized a substantial amount of 83 grams of brown sugar, estimated to be worth Rs 8.30 lakh. The accused individuals, Chandrakant Mahali and Rakesh Kumar Swain, both hailing from Lakapada area in Paradip, were reportedly holding key positions within the BCJD, serving as vice president and general secretary.

The excise department has initiated an investigation into the matter, registering a case against the duo under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. The arrested BCJD members are believed to be close associates of BJD leader and Paradip MLA, Sambit Routray.

Responding to the arrest, BJP leader Sampad Swain expressed concerns over the alleged criminal connections within the BJD party. He cited the recent appointment of gangster Tito’s aide, Bapu Parida, to a prominent post within the party as an example of the issue.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover any further criminal involvement within the BJD and address the drug trafficking menace in the region effectively.