A massive haul of cash was seized during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at the residence of Ganjam district BJD vice-president and contractor Hrushikesh Padhi on Friday, with cupboards reportedly stuffed with bundles of currency.

Following Padhi’s connections, ED teams simultaneously conducted raids at around 20 locations across Ganjam, including residences of several businessmen in Berhampur, covering areas like Bijipur, Lanjipalli, Jayaprakash Nagar, and near the New Bus Stand.

The operations are linked to allegations of tax evasion and financial irregularities involving Padhi and his associates. Sources indicate that local sand mafias accumulated substantial illegal wealth through sand leases registered under auto owners, tractor drivers, and small shop owners. Evidence against six such sand mafias in the district formed the basis for the ED’s extensive raids.