Transport scam: CB, STF, EOW raid Koida mines; BJD’s Raja Chakra produced before OPID court

A joint team of the Crime Branch, Special Task Force (STF), and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) conducted a massive raid at the Koida mines in Keonjhar district on Thursday. 

According to sources, the raids were carried out in connection with the arrest of BJD leader Raja Chakra and the authorities are said to have seized several crucial documents related to financial irregularities.

During the raid, three high-end vehicles belonging to Chakra were confiscated. Also, significant evidence of financial mismanagement was uncovered. The raid is still ongoing as officials continue their investigation, sources said.

The raid is linked to the alleged Gandhamardan Loading Agency financial irregularities case, which has been under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds.

Chakra Produced Before OPID Court

Meanwhile, Raja Chakra was produced in the Balasore OPID Court today. Earlier, he was taken into the Crime Branch and EOW remand for interrogation. The court is set to hear his bail plea in the coming days. 

Previous Seizure

Earlier on March 30, 13 tipper trunks linked to Raja Chakra were seized from a crushing unit in Semiliguda.

Background Of the Case:

Soumyashankar Chakra, popularly known as Raja Chakra, a prominent leader of the BJD, was arrested following allegations of his involvement in a multi-crore transport scam and mining irregularities in the Keonjhar district.

Raja Chakra was arrested on March 14 and was subsequently produced before the court by the Crime Branch. The investigation team is now expected to question him intensively regarding his involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.

Following his arrest, Raja Chakra was produced before the Balasore Court, which remanded him to judicial custody until March 19, 2025.