Adaba: Police in Odisha’s Gajapati district have arrested a youth leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on charges of alleged involvement in illegal ganja trafficking, encouraging cannabis cultivation and providing financial assistance for the illegal trade.

The accused has been identified as Mosha Majhi, a resident of Birikot village under Adaba police limits. He is also the district secretary of the BJD and a former sarpanch of Birikot Panchayat.

According to police, Majhi was allegedly involved in financing and supporting ganja cultivation activities by motivating local people and extending monetary assistance for illegal cannabis trade operations.

Police seize 55 ATM cards and car during raid

Acting in the presence of a magistrate, the R. Udayagiri SDPO along with a police team conducted a raid at the accused’s residence. During the search operation, police seized 55 ATM cards, five bank accounts, two mobile phones, five land documents and a car from the house.

Police said they had gathered evidence from various sources regarding the accused’s alleged involvement in illegal activities for a long time. Based on the available evidence and supporting documents, the accused was arrested and later produced before a court.

R. Udayagiri SDPO Rakesh Kumar Sahu said further investigation is underway and other persons allegedly linked to the illegal network would also be arrested soon.

The case is being investigated by Adaba Police.