Bhubaneswar, March 20: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the state Crime Branch has arrested Sushant Samal, a close associate of Raja Chakra, for his alleged involvement in large-scale financial irregularities in the Gandhamardan Loading Agency.
The case revolves around the misappropriation of funds from a cooperative society meant for the welfare of villagers affected by mining activities. Samal is accused of helping Chakra hide substantial amounts of money across multiple locations and is also suspected of engaging in money laundering. Following his arrest, the EOW has placed Chakra under a three-day remand for further questioning.

Raja Chakra was arrested on March 13 based on a complaint filed by a villager from the Gandhamardan mines area in Keonjhar district. The EOW registered a case under IPC sections 406, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B on February 7 and launched a thorough investigation.

According to an official press release, the investigation revealed that the Gandhamardan Loading Agency earned approximately ₹185 crore from 2017-18 to March 2024. However, large sums were siphoned off by key figures, including the agency’s President, Manas Barik, and Secretary, Utkal Das, with the assistance of other influential locals.

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