Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted extensive raids on the properties of Khirod Mallik, brother of Opposition Chief Whip and former minister Pramila Mallik.
The simultaneous raids are currently underway in New Delhi and three locations in Sambalpur, Odisha.
This action is part of an inquiry into alleged financial fraud amounting to Rs 231 crore. Late Khirod Mallik, Pramila Mallick’s brother, is a central figure in this investigation, accused of securing loans from various national and private banks under questionable pretences.
His NGO, Bharat Integrated Social Welfare Agency (BISWA), is under scrutiny for allegedly misusing a significant amount of funds. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Khirod Mallik may have banking channels to secure large loans, prompting this robust response from the ED.
In Sambalpur, the raid is ongoing atrod’s residential building, an NGO office, and another building belonging to the late NGO owner. In Delhi, the raid is taking place at the headquarters of BISWA office.
A case was previously registered against BISWA with the ED, alleging fraud involving crores of rupees in failure to repay. The has also been accused of acquiring foreign funds Additionally, the late Khirod Mallik was involved in the ‘sattua’ and ‘pulses’ scam during the BJD regime.
During the BJD rule, BISWA obtained the tender for supplying pulses to all governments for the mid-day meal (MDM) scheme. Khirod was also awarded many other government projects while Pramila Malik was in power.
Several cases were registered against him, but they were overlooked by the BJD rule, sources said. The ED suspects the involvement of many and intends to expose the previous BJD government, it was learned.