EOW raid on BJD’s Raja Chakra: Badri Narayan Patra raises alarm over potential mining irregularities

Amidst the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) raid on BJD leader Raja Chakra, his uncle and Ghasipura MLA Badri Narayan Patra raised an alarm over potential mining irregularities by the former. The EOW probe currently focuses on the alleged multi-crore scam involving the Keonjhar Gandhamardan Loading Agency and Transport Cooperative Society.

Ghasipura MLA, Badri Narayan Patra, who is the uncle of Raja, has raised alarms concerning possible irregularities within the mining sector. His voice joins a growing chorus of critics who have long highlighted these issues. 

Patra expressed optimism that these inquiries would unearth the misconduct.

“There were several media reports that Keonjhar was looted off its natural resources. People’s voices reached the top, and now raids are on after the change in government. If he is involved in scams and has amassed wealth disproportionate to his known source of income, the raid is 100% right. There have been irregularities, and there is no doubt about it,” the legislator stated.

Also Read: Assets worth crores, lavish lifestyle of BJD leader Raja Chakra unearthed during EOW raids

Rift Between Raja & Patra:

There are widespread speculations that Raja was acting on Patra’s behalf. However, their relationship is said to have soured in 2017 over a party ticket, tensions that have now reportedly reached a breaking point.

Background of the Scam:

The Gandhamardan Loading and Transport Cooperative Society, registered in 2006 for iron ore loading operations in Keonjhar district, allegedly became a hub for financial fraud between 2017 and 2024. Influential outsiders, including BJD leader Raja Chakra, have been accused of misappropriating Rs 35 crore through forged labour cost documents, fake PF deductions, and falsified developmental expenditure reports.

EOW Investigation Details:

The Economic Offences Wing is conducting multi-day raids across Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, and Ganjam districts, seizing 200 benami accounts, 20 vehicles (including a Rs 25 lakh Harley Davidson), and 18-wheeler trucks used in illegal operations. Interrogations revealed Chakra's central role in monopolizing society operations.

Modus Operandi Revealed:

It is alleged that the accused manipulated iron ore loading rates at Rs 60/tonne, generating monthly transactions of 500,000-1,000,000 tonnes. They allegedly created false records for 5,000 non-existent labourers and siphoned funds meant for affected mining communities through shell companies.

While EOW continues forensic audits of seized documents, cooperative society members demand expanded probes by ED and Income Tax departments.