BJD leader Raja Chakra’s arrest: OPID court defers bail hearing to April 5

BJD leader Raja Chakra appeared before the OPID court in Balasore on Thursday following his recent arrest and subsequent detention in judicial custody in the district. The police were unable to furnish certain documents requested by the court. Consequently, the bail hearing was postponed until April 5.

Also Read: Raja Chakra: Is there a bigger network behind the alleged corruption?

The designated courts are established under the Odisha Protection of Interests of Depositors (in Financial Establishments) Act, 2011.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch had previously taken him on remand for questioning. During today's proceedings, the court examined the arguments presented by both sides concerning Chakra's bail application.

Raja Chakra’s legal counsel says:

“Police have seized the documents of the accused but are neither submitting any seizure list nor any search warrant. Even to the extent, they are not providing any information relating to the case,” Raja Chakra’s legal counsel, Sitanshu Dwibedi said.

“The court had earlier issued specific directives to police to produce the register concerned containing the details of payments on or before April 3, along with audit report and bank transaction details. The IO (investigating officer) failed to produce the case diary and the aforesaid credentials,” Sitanshu Dwibedi further said.

“The court questioned the IO as to why the credentials were not produced. Hence, the court deferred the date of hearing,” the legal counsel expressed.

Worth mentioning, an influential youth with notable political connections, Raja Chakra, was earlier apprehended by the EOW over allegations of corruption. However, the EOW has commenced an exhaustive investigation to unearth any masterminds including the political leaders who could be operating from the shadows.

In Keonjhar, attention has turned towards a former superintendent of police and a district collector. These two officials might soon come under the EOW’s scanner to determine any potential complicity in Raja Chakra’s activities.

Must Read: Transport scam: CB, STF, EOW raid Koida mines owned by BJD’s Raja Chakra

Further, an allegation has also been raised highlighting BJD leader Bobby Das’s name. Whether he will be the next to face EOW's scrutiny remains a pertinent question.

Reported By: Prakash Mohanty