TV
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday raided the residence of BJD leader Raja Chakra in Jagannathpur area of Keonjhar, in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation.
The raids were carried out under high security and are reportedly linked to a larger probe into alleged financial irregularities involving the Gandhamardan Loading Agency.
Raja Chakra, currently lodged in Balasore Jail following his earlier arrest by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), is accused of diverting crores of rupees through shell transactions and benami properties.
Money Trail Linked to Mining Transport Contracts
The ED’s fresh action follows a series of investigations by the EOW, which had earlier arrested Chakra in March after the expiry of his anticipatory bail. The case pertains to alleged embezzlement and diversion of funds from the Gandhamardan Loading Agency, where Chakra reportedly held significant control.
The investigation suggests that funds linked to mining transport operations were routed through fake accounts and used to acquire movable and immovable assets. The ED is now attempting to trace the flow of this suspected laundered money.
Multiple Properties Raided Across Odisha
Notably, this is not the first time enforcement agencies have acted against Raja Chakra. In the past, raids have been conducted at his properties in Gopalpur, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Berhampur, and Keonjhar.
Several high-end vehicles, including luxury cars, motorcycles, trucks, and loaders, were seized earlier by the EOW.
Investigators had also flagged large tracts of suspected anonymous land holdings and residential assets, believed to be owned through proxies. Wednesday's ED raid is aimed at consolidating evidence of these alleged assets acquired through laundered funds.
