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

An influential youth with notable political connections, Raja Chakra, was apprehended by the Economic Offences Wing (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, sources said on Thursday.

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

Raja Chakra was backed by prominent figures!

Investigative authorities are probing whether Raja Chakra was backed by prominent figures during his purported misconduct. Allegations have floated regarding a high-ranking police officer and a district collector, suggesting they might have provided cover to him during this period of allegedly rampant illegal activity.

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.

Further, 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.

“Soumya Shankar Chakra was being supported by Bobby Das (former BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das). We also get to hear that the roots of Raja’s illegal activities had spread up to VK Pandian (then a senior IAS officer) in the Third Floor,” a resident of Keonjhar said to mediapersons.

“Even to the extent, former District Collector Ashish Thakare, Superintendent of Police (SP) Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, and local police officials had involvement in Raja’s illegal activities,” the resident added.

BJD MLA Badri Patra also contended that the illegal activities involved the cooperation of both Keonjhar Collector and 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.”

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

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.

No comments were received from the concerned govt officials in this regard.