Former Keonjhar Collector, SP backed BJD leader Raja Chakra’s illegal activities: Badri Patra

In a statement stirring significant political debate in Odisha, senior leader Badri Narayan Patra alleged on Thursday that activities linked to BJD youth wing head Raja Chakra received full backing from the erstwhile district administration during the previous government.

Also Read: Raja Chakra arrested: Here’s how the BJD leader built such a huge empire

Startling revelations by Ghasipura MLA

Badri Patra contended that the illegal actions involved the cooperation of both Keonjhar Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) at that time. He remarked, “The district police operated under Raja Chakra's guidance. It is insufficient to apprehend only one individual; involvement of the former Collector and SP should not be overlooked.”

“VK Pandian was also made aware of Chakra’s growing illegal activities,” Patra asserted.

Ghasipura MLA Patra further pointed out that these unfolding events have caused harm to the BJD’s image and could potentially be a factor in the loss of 2024 General Elections. He conveyed that while hundreds suffered due to the illegal activities, the benefits were reaped by just one person, Raja Chakra.

“To my knowledge, the erstwhile Collector Ashish Thakare and SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra had been providing him (Raja Chakra) full support. They were also a part and parcel of the ‘Kelenkari’ (illegal activity). The duo had a share in the loot of mines, financial irregularities, and kickbacks. They were in Keonjhar for nearly 5-6 years and with their active support, he (accused Chakra) had spread his business empire,” the Ghasipura MLA stated.

“A young man (Raja Chakra) was used by them and he had become instrumental in earning money for them. In all matters of public requirements, he was being sought by people as the former Collector and SP promoted him,” Badri Patra said.

“He (Raja Chakra) was highly ambitious and by the way of raising funds for them, he also became richer and richer,” Ghasipura MLA Patra added.

Worth mentioning, after carrying out intensive probe, following a case of misappropriation of funds and corruption was registered on February 7, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch arrested Soumya Shankar alias Raja Chakra, earlier in the day.

Must Read: ‘Transport scam’: EOW interrogates Keonjhar BJD leader Raja Chakra

At a presser, Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra revealed how the EOW conducted the probe and finally managed to unearth massive corruption in the funds that were meant for periphery development near Gandhamadhan hills in Keonjhar.

The case was registered by EOW based on the complaint filed by a local resident.