In a scathing press conference held today, activist Archana Nag revealed chilling details surrounding her arrest, claiming it was the result of a deep-rooted political conspiracy orchestrated by several senior leaders of BJD, and high-ranking police officers.
Nag, who had previously filed a written complaint with the Chief Minister’s grievance cell, stated that she was “stabbed in the back” by known faces in Odisha politics and law enforcement. Among those named were prominent BJD leaders Pranab Prakash Das, Manas Mangaraj, and Amaresh Jena, as well as police officials, including former DCP Prateek Singh, ACP Prakash Pal, and IIC Anup Kanungo.
She alleged that the case filed against her was fabricated, with monetary incentives offered to the complainant. “I have proof that the complainant was bribed to accuse me falsely,” she said, adding that she possesses audio recordings to support her claims.
Further, Nag detailed harrowing accounts of mistreatment in jail, ranging from being pressured to leave the state, forced to sign documents under duress, and even targeted for murder through poisoned injections and drug-laced beverages. “Had it not been for a few undertrial inmates who helped me, I wouldn’t be alive today,” she said.
The press briefing also raised serious questions about procedural irregularities, highlighting how evidence such as CCTV hard drives from her residence was allegedly destroyed, and confiscated devices tampered with. Despite being in custody, Nag said she was unaware of the nature of the accusations against her until six days after her arrest.
BJD leader Amaresh Jena dismissed Archana Nag’s allegations as “baseless.” He stated, “I have no involvement in this matter; the truth will emerge after an investigation. I don’t know whose words she is relying on to make such claims.
MP Manas Mangaraj responded to the accusations by stating firmly, “I do not know Archana Nag,” thereby outrightly denying any connection to her. He added, “My name is being dragged into this conspiratorially,” suggesting that the mention of his name is part of a calculated attempt to undermine him.
