In a major development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out search operations at the office of Vigyan Bharati Charitable Trust (VBCT) located in Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar. The trust is linked to the Hi-Tech Group of Institutions.

The action was initiated by the Kolkata unit of the ED following allegations of large-scale financial irregularities, suspected money laundering, and possible illegal financial transactions. Investigators are examining documents and financial records to trace the flow of funds and identify potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources indicate that the raids are also linked to an alleged land fraud case involving Sahara India properties in Berhampur city of Ganjam district. Complaints suggest that land associated with Sahara India may have been acquired by the Hi-Tech Group through fraudulent means, prompting the central agency to expand its probe.

Apart from the Sahid Nagar office, the ED is conducting searches at five additional locations connected to the trust, including premises associated with Hi-Tech Medical College. Investigators are also examining properties linked to the head of the charitable trust.

Authorities are reportedly exploring a wider financial network, including a possible Mumbai connection, as part of the ongoing investigation.

As of now, neither the ED nor the Hi-Tech Medical College authorities have issued an official statement regarding the searches. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge