Income tax dept raids BJD leader Manoj Mishra’s residence in Nuapada

The Income Tax (I-T) Department on Sunday conducted extensive raids at the residence of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Komna Block chairman Manoj Mishra in Nuapada district. The searches, which began early in the morning, continued through the day under the supervision of senior officials.

According to sources, the I-T team arrived at Mishra’s Komna residence at around 6 am and immediately began an exhaustive inspection of financial records, documents, and electronic equipment. Mishra, who also serves as one of the general secretaries in the BJD’s Nuapada district unit, was present at the spot when the raid began.

Sources added that the I-T officials sealed off the entrance to prevent unauthorised movement while the operation was underway. The search team also examined bank-related documents, property papers, and possible cash holdings.

Though the exact reason behind the raid remains unclear, officials indicated that the operation was part of a larger investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

Security has been strengthened in the area with local police deployed to maintain law and order. A crowd of onlookers gathered near the house, but the situation remained under control. As of the latest reports, the I-T Department has not issued any official statement or disclosed whether any materials had been seized.

Raid Follows Another Recent Search

The raid on Mishra’s house follows a similar enforcement action at the residence of senior BJD leader and former minister Pritiranjan Gharai at Khariar Road.

That operation, which took place on October 31, involved the deployment of two magistrates and nearly 40 police personnel. It led to protests from BJD supporters, who alleged political motives behind the searches.

The latest raid has once again stirred political debate in Nuapada, especially as today marks the last day of campaigning for the November 11 bypolls.

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While the exact nature of the investigation is yet to be confirmed, officials stated that the operation at Mishra’s house is being closely monitored by senior tax authorities from Bhubaneswar and Raipur. No arrests have been made, and the I-T Department is expected to release details once the inventory of recovered materials, if any, is completed.