Bhubaneswar, March 13: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch has arrested Raja Chakra for his alleged involvement in large-scale financial irregularities in the Gandhamardan Loading Agency. He is accused of misappropriating funds from a cooperative meant for the welfare of villagers affected by mining activities in Keonjhar district.

Following a complaint from a local villager near the Gandhamardan mines, the EOW registered a case on February 7 under multiple sections of the IPC, including 406, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B. The investigation led to the arrest of two individuals earlier, with Raja Chakra being apprehended on Thursday, as confirmed by Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra.

According to the investigation, the Gandhamardan Loading Agency earned approximately ₹185 crores between 2017-18 and March 2024. However, a significant portion of these funds was misused by the agency's President and Secretary, Manas Barik and Utkal Das, along with other influential individuals.

With Raja Chakra’s arrest, the EOW continues its probe into the massive financial scam, and further arrests may follow.

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