Political Turmoil: Defamation Suit Filed Against Advocate Over Corruption Allegations

Defamation Case Emerges in Balasore

In Balasore, a senior advocate, Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedi, is facing a defamation lawsuit for allegedly making unfounded claims related to a significant corruption scandal involving the Gandhamardan Loading Agency and Transporting Co-operative Society Ltd.

The complaint was lodged by Manmohan Samal, the state president of the BJP, on Saturday at the SDJM court in Balasore (Case No. 25/25). This legal action follows Dwivedi's accusations that BJP members solicited Rs 1.3 crore under the guise of a 'state head' to facilitate ongoing business activities.

Samal has categorically rejected these allegations, labeling them as 'false and malicious.' Notably, Dwivedi represents BJD leader Soumyashankar, also known as Raja Chakra, who is a central figure in the Crime Branch's investigation into financial irregularities.

Samal was accompanied by various BJP officials and legal experts at the court, including deputy chief whip and Remuna MLA Gobinda Chandra Das, district BJP president Ishwar Chandra Behera, former district president Umakanta Mohapatra, Bar Association president Keshab Acharya, and several senior advocates.

In a statement to the press, Samal expressed, 'Approximately a month ago, Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedi made a baseless accusation against me, claiming my associates demanded Rs 1.3 crore under the pretense of a state head and threatened to disrupt business if the payment was not made.'

He emphasized that these remarks were intended to damage his reputation and that of the BJP in the state. Samal stated that the lawsuit was necessary to counter what he described as a 'fabricated and unfounded narrative,' urging anyone with allegations against him to provide evidence.

Furthermore, he called on the media to verify the accuracy of claims before reporting, especially when political reputations are at stake. This allegation has sparked significant political controversy throughout the state, particularly as it ties into a larger corruption investigation involving substantial funds misappropriated by the co-operative society, with Raja Chakra being identified as a key suspect.