Archana Nag. (file photo)
Santosh Kumar Pandey, Angul. The recent revelations of files related to Jeffrey Epstein in America have once again sparked the debate as to how long can the nexus of power, influence and crime be suppressed.
As the names of influential personalities are coming to light in the Epstein files, in parallel the Archana Nag case, which was once in the headlines in Odisha, is again in the news. The only difference is that while the Epstein files are shaking the system, the Archana Nag case has been in silence for a long time.
The initial blast created panic in the entire state.
After the arrest of Archana Nag in September 2022, there was an uproar in the political and administrative circles of Odisha. The allegation was that Archana Nag was extorting huge amount of money by blackmailing influential people through objectionable videos and pictures.
In the initial investigation and discussions, this network was said to be connected to politics, bureaucracy and industry. This was the reason why it came to be called the 'Epstein case of Odisha'.
The investigation progressed, the scope narrowed
The SIT formed to investigate the case seized digital devices and interrogated many people. However, with time the investigating agencies limited this episode mainly to cheating, blackmailing and illegal extortion.
Big names who were discussed in public forums and media could not find a place in the charge sheet. After this the case moved from high-profile to normal criminal case.
Similarities between the Epstein files and the Archana Nag case
In the Epstein case too, there were initial efforts to suppress the allegations, but years later the files were opened and influential names became public. The same comparison is being made regarding the Archana Nag case. The question is being raised whether there is any such file here too, which is still kept in a locked safe.
Media silence after charge sheet
As soon as the investigation was completed and the chargesheet was filed, the case went into the court process. With this the pace of new revelations stopped. Media attention shifted towards new crimes, political developments and election issues. As a result, the Archana Nag case gradually faded out of public discourse.
Political debate also cooled down
Initially the opposition had raised serious questions on the government regarding this episode, but due to lack of concrete evidence of direct political involvement, this issue gradually went out of the political agenda.
Many questions still remain unanswered
Even though the administration is claiming that the action has been completed with the arrest of the main accused and busting of the network, there are still many questions in the minds of the common people. Has the whole truth been revealed? Did the investigation reach all influential links? Or did the investigation stop at the point where it was inconvenient to proceed further?
The Epstein files have proved that no matter how much the truth is suppressed, one day it will definitely come out. The Archana Nag case is currently alive in the court files, but there is silence in the public debate. The question is whether any new revelation in the future will break this silence, or will this case also remain an example of an incomplete investigation.
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