Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Raja Chakra, alias Soumyashankar Chakra, is currently under the scanner of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore transport scam

A joint team comprising officials from the Crime Branch, Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday is carrying out searches at three locations in Odisha- Bonai, Gopalpur Port and Keonjhar targeting Raja Chakra’s offices.

Meanwhile, a crucial hearing is scheduled in the Orissa High Court today regarding Raja Chakra’s interim protection. The EOW is expected to submit evidence in court seeking the withdrawal of his interim protection. The ongoing investigations have intensified amid allegations of financial irregularities, drawing significant political and public attention.

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

Earlier, the EOW, along with the Special Task Force (STF) had conducted extensive raids on properties linked to Raja Chakra across various locations, including Keonjhar, Koida, Dhamra, and Gopalpur. These operations led to the seizure of approximately 200 'benami' (anonymous) accounts and 20 vehicles associated with the BJD leader.

Detention Of Associates

The EOW detained two close associates of Raja Chakra—Susant Samal and Prabhat Pattanayak—for questioning regarding their suspected roles in the multi-crore scandal involving the cooperative society. Both individuals are influential figures within the Suakati Gandhamardhan Loading Agency and Transport Cooperative Society in Keonjhar.

Political Reactions

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Mohanta alleged that Raja Chakra's influence in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district was due to his connections with senior BJD leaders, including Bobby Das and VK Pandian. She emphasized that anyone involved in corruption would face strict action under the current government