Bhubaneswar: A former cleaning assistant employed by the Odisha government has had assets worth Rs 1.88 crore attached by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in accordance with the anti-money laundering statute.
According to sources, Lingaraj Jena, a former “safei mohareer” (cleaning helper) employed at the Puri district’s extra sub-collector (Settlement) office, is the owner of the properties.
The ED’s investigation into money laundering began with an allegation that Jena had excessive assets, which was brought by the Odisha Vigilance Directorate.
The vigilance directorate’s charge sheet alleges that Jena “illicitly benefited” himself and his family by obtaining assets worth a total of Rs 1.88 crore, which were out of proportion to his known sources of income.
According to the investigation conducted by the ED in the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Jena obtained money by engaging in illegal activity, disguising it, and using it to buy a variety of properties.
