Ama Odisha News

Sanjay Dasburma, BJD’s MLA candidate from Brahmagiri constituency get a surprise visit from the election officials to a seaside hotel here on Sunday, where Dasburma was staying.

“I directed the Puri sub-collector and returning officer to raid the hotel room, after I received a message that the candidate was in possession of a huge amount of money,” Brahmagiri constituency election observer S Iyer said.

Returning officer Pradip Kumar Das has confirmed the amount and said, “Dasburma was present when we seized the bag full of cash. He pleaded innocence. Some of his party workers were also present in the room at that time. One of the workers Kailash Pradhan claimed to be the owner of the money. We have handed Kailash over to the police” Das added.

“Dasburma would be asked to show his election expenditure list and clarify on the presence of such a huge amount money in his hotel room,” Das said. “I have sent my report to the chief electoral officer, district election officer and superintendent of police. They would decide on the future course of action,” he added.

Iyer termed it as a “violation” of model code of conduct. “It was a violation of poll code. But inquiry would reveal the nature of the violation,” he said. Dasburma was not available for comments.