Transport scam: Will BJD leader Raja Chakra get arrested?

Trouble mounted for BJD leader Raja Chakra as the Orissa High Court on Wednesday rejected his anticipatory bail petition in connection with the alleged mining irregularities and a transport scam in Keonjhar district.

According to sources, the court has also rejected the bail application of four associates of Chakra.

Besides, the High Court has also revoked the interim protection for Raja Chakra, sources informed, adding that, following the rejection of the anticipatory bail applications and the withdrawal of interim protection, chances of BJD leader’s arrest now loom large. 

Meanwhile, the Gandhamardan Loading Agency has become the subject of an ongoing investigation related to alleged illegal activities. The Crime Branch's Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) has conducted raids at Raja Chakra's residence and office as part of their probe into the matter.

EOW Raids Continue

The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch continued its raid and carried out searches at Korp Resources iron ore mine located in the Koida mining zone of the Sundargarh district on Tuesday.

Also Read: BJD leader Raja Chakra faces fresh troubles as EOW raids Koida mines, seizes multiple vehicles

Seizure During Raid

The authorities seized more than ten Hyva trucks from inside the mines. 

Why is EOW probing Raja Chakra?

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.

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.