Transport scam: BJD leader Raja Chakra arrested by Odisha Crime Branch

A day after Orissa High Court rejected the anticipatory bail petition of BJD leader Raja Chakra in connection with mining irregularities and a transport scam, he was arrested by the Odisha Crime Branch on Thursday.

The court had also rejected the bail application of four associates of Chakra.

Seizure So Far

It is worthwhile to mention that so far, 42 vehicles belonging to Raja Chakra have been seized and further two screening plants have been seized. Based on financial investigation, several bank accounts have been frozen and an amount of about 25 lakh has been frozen. 

Meanwhile, Chakra is being interrogated and further investigation is underway to unearth the involvement of other persons and the entire racket.

Why Raja Chakra Came Under EOW Scanner?

The can of worms opened when a whistleblower tipped authorities into alleged large-scale irregularities in the mining and loading of iron ore, including overcharging for loading and profit sharing among key shareholders, with allegations stating that those enjoying favourable connections with Raja Chakra, received the lion’s share of the illicit gains.

Also Read: Raids continue on BJD Leader Raja Chakra’s properties at multiple places in Odisha

Details of the alleged fraud:

The investigations are part of the probe into a larger fraud, estimated to run into as much as Rs 500 crores. Subsequently, the EOW conducted raids and probes including an extensive 11-hour interrogation of Raja Chakra on March 3.