BARIPADA: In a case involving a finance fraud amounting to Rs 122 crore, Iswar Chandra Bindhani was found in possession of six antlers and two sets of elephant molar teeth, which were seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from his home in Bisole village under the Kaptipada police jurisdiction on Thursday.

Bindhani, who operated Kalpana Finance Service in Odisha, was subject to an ED raid on Wednesday.

SK Mehrban Ali, the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) for the Baripada division, reported that the wildlife items were discovered inside a bag during the search of Bindhani’s residence. The ED later transferred the items to the Forest department.

The ACF indicated that the antlers might belong to either sambar or spotted deer, with species identification pending laboratory analysis. Similarly, the elephant molar teeth will undergo examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the discovery, Bindhani was taken to Udala sub-divisional hospital due to health concerns. He is currently receiving medical care.

The Forest department has initiated legal proceedings under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, with further actions planned once Bindhani’s health improves. An investigation into the seized items is also in progress, according to officials.

The search at Bindhani’s home commenced on Wednesday morning, with additional raids occurring at various sites in Bhubaneswar, Jagatsinghpur, Angul, and Cuttack in Odisha, as well as four locations in West Bengal.

This operation stemmed from complaints by investors from Mayurbhanj, Angul, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts, who claimed they were defrauded after investing in various schemes offered by Kalpana Finance Service.

The organization allegedly promised lucrative returns and financial incentives but failed to fulfill the expected profits.