Khordha drug peddler’s properties to be confiscated

Bhubaneswar: Tightening its noose around notorious drug peddler Paku alias Somanath Bhujbal, the Khordha SP Raj Kishore Dora today stated a decision has been taken to recommend confiscation of properties owned by him.

The police have been able to trace properties worth more than Rs 2.34 crore of Somanath and his relatives amassed out of illegal drugs trade, informed Dora.

Somanath owns a multi-storey building worth Rs 1.1 crore, jewellery of Rs 13.5 lakh, bank deposits of Rs 79,600, Rs 3.35 lakh cash, shops worth Rs 24.5 lakh and 11 vehicles.

The SP further stated investigation is on to find out whether Somanath and his relatives have managed amass any more assets. Once the investigation gets over a recommendation will be sent to Kolkata-based Competent Authority for confiscation of properties of Somanath and his relatives.

Somanath and his father Krushna Chandra Bhujbal, who hail from Samantrapur Saguan Bagicha area of Khordha town, have been lodged in jail in connection with an illegal drug trade case reported in Baselisahi of Puri town since October 2020.

As many as 18 cases pertaining to illegal drug trade have been pending against Somanath at different areas of Puri and Khordha districts.