What Led the ED to File a Prosecution Complaint in the Gandhamardan Loading Agency Case?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has taken significant action against the Gandhamardan Loading Agency, revealing a web of deceit involving misappropriation of funds. This case brings to light serious allegations of financial misconduct impacting the cooperative's integrity.
Key Takeaways
- ED's action under PMLA highlights serious financial misconduct.
- The case involves 11 accused, including key officials of the cooperative.
- Allegations include fund misappropriation and false accounting.
- Investigation reveals no substantiated proof of claimed expenditures.
- Proceeds of crime attached total Rs. 22.26 Crore.
Bhubaneswar, December 24 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has lodged a prosecution complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at the Special Court (PMLA)-cum-Additional Sessions Judge in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This action pertains to the Gandhamardan Loading Agency & Transporting Co-operative Society Ltd. based in Keonjhar, Odisha.
As per a statement released by the central agency on Wednesday, the complaint targets 11 individuals, including the principal accused Soumya Sankar Chakra, alias Raja Chakra, alongside key associates and officials of the cooperative society.
The investigation was triggered following an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Police's Crime Branch, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, concerning cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
The alleged crime includes extensive misappropriation and misdirection of society funds, falsely representing expenses under categories like periphery development, village expenses, fuel charges, EPF deductions, and other fabricated claims.
Sources from the ED highlighted that the cooperative society was predominantly governed by Soumya Sankar Chakra @ Raja Chakra, who, with alleged collusion from then President Manas Ranjan Barik and Secretary Jitlal Das, illicitly redirected society funds. This misdirection was executed through self and bearer cheques, cash withdrawals, and complex banking transactions.
The agency disclosed that the misappropriated funds were utilized for the personal gain of Soumya Sankar Chakra and to settle debts of various businesses owned and managed by him.
During the investigation, the ED identified a lack of authentic work orders, invoices, or proof of actual developmental activities to validate the expenses recorded in the cooperative society's financial records.
The ED carried out search operations under Section 17 of PMLA at various locations and provisionally attached proceeds of crime totaling Rs. 22.26 Crore.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the importance of stringent oversight in financial dealings to protect public interest and maintain trust in such organizations.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gandhamardan Loading Agency case about?
The case involves allegations of extensive misappropriation of funds by the Gandhamardan Loading Agency, leading to a prosecution complaint filed by the ED under the PMLA.
Who are the main accused in this case?
The main accused is Soumya Sankar Chakra, alias Raja Chakra, along with ten other associates and officials of the cooperative society.
What actions has the ED taken?
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint, conducted search operations, and provisionally attached funds amounting to Rs. 22.26 Crore.
What law is being invoked in this case?
The Enforcement Directorate is operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
How did the investigation begin?
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Police's Crime Branch.
