EOW Detains BJD Leader Raja Chakra in Major Fraud Investigation
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Synopsis
The EOW of Odisha Police has arrested businessman and BJD youth leader Soumya Shankar Chakra, also known as Raja, for his suspected role in a multi-crore fraud involving a cooperative society's funds, generating significant controversy in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Soumya Shankar Chakra, a BJD leader, arrested for fraud.
- Allegations involve misappropriation of Rs 185 crore.
- Cooperative society aimed at economic development in mining areas.
- Involvement of influential locals in the fraud.
- Numerous vehicles and assets seized by the EOW.
Bhubaneswar, March 13 (NationPress) The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha Police has apprehended businessman and youth BJD leader Soumya Shankar Chakra, also known as Raja, over his alleged participation in the embezzlement of funds belonging to a cooperative firm amounting to several crores.
The EOW took action against Chakra in relation to a case filed on February 7, 2025, based on accusations from a villager living close to the Gandhamardan Mines in Keonjhar district.
During a media briefing in Cuttack, ADG Crime Branch Vinaytosh Mishra stated that the villagers near the Gandhamardan hills had established the Gandhamardhan Loading Agency & Transporting Cooperative Society Ltd.
In Keonjhar, this organization aimed to enhance the economic conditions of residents in mining-affected regions through profits accrued from loading iron ores from the local mines.
Mishra noted that the complainant alleged that certain powerful individuals misappropriated the cooperative society's funds between 2017-18 and 2023-24.
He revealed that the loading agency had generated approximately Rs 185 crore from 2017-18 until March 2024.
The ADG stated that the EOW has identified that the society’s President Manas Barik and Secretary Utkal Das, along with some other influential locals, had swindled considerable amounts of money.
“The accused claimed that Rs 34 crore from the society’s funds was allocated for peripheral development. We contacted the Block Development Officers of the two blocks in the area, and their responses indicated that no development projects were executed by the accused. They mentioned plans for site development, but the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has denied any such activity in the mining areas. The entire Rs 34 crore has been misappropriated,” Mishra asserted.
He elaborated that Rs 9.1 crore was disbursed to Maa Kali Petrol Pump, which allegedly did not provide any fuel to the Gandhamardan Loading Agency.
According to the petrol pump’s owner’s testimony in court, the fuel was utilized for Chakra's vehicles, and payments were made via GML. Mishra noted that around Rs 33 crore was distributed to local residents to ensure their continuous support for the accused Chakra.
“Approximately Rs 74 crore was recorded as loading charges and labor payments. The corresponding Muster Roll and vouchers reflect significant discrepancies,” Mishra claimed.
He mentioned that Chakra has established several businesses, including Sankar Mineral, Shankar Transporting, and Shankar Roadways.
“Since a prima facie case has been established against Chakra regarding the misappropriation of society funds amounting to Rs 9.1 crore, he was detained for further questioning and is expected to be arrested today. We have also confiscated 42 vehicles and two screening plants owned by Raja Chakra,” Mishra added.
He further disclosed that the EOW has frozen several bank accounts and blocked Rs 25 lakh belonging to Chakra. Notably, the President and Secretary of the society had been previously arrested by the EOW in connection with this case.
