EOW raid on BJD’s Raja Chakra enters day 2,200 ‘benami’ accounts, 20 vehicles seized so far

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha intensified its crackdown on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Raja Chakra in connection with the Gandhamardan Loading Agency Co-operative Society scam. Extensive raids by the agency, which began on Tuesday, entered the second consecutive day this morning.

EOW Carries Out Extensive Confiscation:

According to the latest reports, the EOW carried out simultaneous raids at six locations linked to Raja Chakra in Keonjhar, Koida, Dhamra, and Gopalpur on Wednesday. Additionally, it has so far seized 200 ‘benami’ (anonymous) accounts and 20 vehicles reportedly belonging to the BJD leader.

When Did the Probe Start?

Notably, the Economic Offences Wing of the Odisha Crime Branch began its interrogation of Raja Chakra, formally known as Soumyashankar Chakra, at 11 am on Monday as part of its ongoing investigation into a transport scam involving Rs 500 crore.

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Reason for the EOW Probe:

Sources reported that the 11-hour-long interrogation of Chakra is with his connection to the Gandhamardan Loading and Transport Cooperative Society, which is allegedly accused of various charges of fraud and money laundering.

The transport society reportedly charged abnormally high rates for loading iron ores and kept on increasing the prices without authorisation. It is also accused of showcasing money allegedly sent to several individuals as expenses borne by the company.

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The matter came to light when a whistleblower informed the EOW that the transport agency earned illicit gains running into several crores of rupees after filing false transactions. Allegations also followed that only those favoured by Raja Chakra had received a part of the illegal profits, thereby connecting the BJD leader to the probe.