EOW Files Fresh Case Against BJD Leader Raja Chakra Over ₹1.22 Crore Alleged Fraud

Bhubaneswar: Troubles have mounted for Keonjhar-based Biju Janata Dal (BJD) youth leader Soumya Sankar Chakra, alias Raja Chakra, with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registering a fresh case against him and several others over allegations of forcibly taking possession of land and a crusher unit and misappropriating Rs 1.22 crore.

According to sources, the case has been registered against Raja Chakra, Sadashiv Samal and others in connection with a dispute over a crusher unit and adjoining land in Nunujharan village in Keonjhar district. A Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer is leading the investigation.

The complainant has alleged that the accused intimidated people involved in the dispute to facilitate the transfer of the land, removed machinery from the crusher unit and failed to clear outstanding dues amounting to Rs 1.22 crore.

The complaint also refers to alleged illegal mining activities linked to the crusher unit, which reportedly caused losses to the state exchequer. The EOW is investigating the allegations to establish the facts and determine the respective roles of those named in the case.

Raja Chakra is currently in jail following his arrest in connection with an earlier mining scam case. The fresh case has added to his legal troubles, with investigators examining the alleged financial irregularities and the disputed transfer of the land and control of the crusher unit.

The development comes amid earlier political allegations concerning Raja Chakra’s activities in Keonjhar during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD)-led government.

Senior leader Badri Narayan Patra had alleged that activities linked to Raja Chakra had the backing of the then district administration. He had claimed that the former Keonjhar Collector and Superintendent of Police were also involved in facilitating the alleged illegal activities.

“The district police operated under Raja Chakra’s guidance. It is insufficient to arrest only one individual; the involvement of the former Collector and SP should not be overlooked,” Patra had said.