Transport scam in Odisha: Crime Branch takes BJD leader Raja Chakra on 3-day remand

The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch has taken BJD leader Raja Chakra on a three-day remand after getting the necessary permission from the Balasore OPID (Odisha Protection of Interests of Depositors) Court on Wednesday. The court granted permission for the remand after reviewing the investigating agency’s petition.

Earlier, the Crime Branch had filed a petition seeking a five-day remand to interrogate Raja Chakra in connection with financial fraud allegations. However, after hearing the arguments, the Court granted only three days of custodial interrogation.

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Background of the case:

Soumyashankar Chakra, popularly known as Raja Chakra, a prominent leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD),  was arrested following allegations of his involvement in a multi-crore transport scam and mining irregularities in the Keonjhar district. 

Raja Chakra was arrested on March 14 and was subsequently produced before the court by the Crime Branch. The investigation team is now expected to question him intensively regarding his involvement in the alleged financial misconduct. Following his arrest, Raja Chakra was produced before the Balasore Court, which remanded him to judicial custody until March 19, 2025.

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Sources indicate that the Crime Branch is aiming to gather crucial information related to the money trail and possible accomplices involved in the financial irregularities. Investigators will also focus on recovering any misappropriated funds and identifying further leads in the case.

The arrest and remand of Raja Chakra have drawn significant public attention, as the case involves a large-scale financial scam related to transportation. 

Authorities are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation and take appropriate legal action against those responsible.

The next course of action will be determined after the completion of the three-day remand period, based on the findings of the interrogation. Further legal proceedings and court hearings will follow as the case progresses.