Bhubaneswar: Mounting a stinging attack on Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Mamata Mahanta alleged that Raja Chakra, who is now under EOW scanner, gained enormous power in Odisha’s mineral-rich Keonjhar with the help of Pranab Prakash Das and V K Pandian.
Claiming that Raja Chakra has become highly powerful wielding influence in the mineral belt due to BJD backing, the Rajya Sabha member said people involved in corruption would face strict action during the BJP government in the state.
Claiming that the influence and power of Raja Chakra shot up due to Bobby Das and Pandian, she said a thorough investigation is now underway and anybody found indulging in corruption will face the consequences.
Mamata, who was earlier in BJD, alleged that corruption was rampant and mafia wielded enormous power during the previous BJD regime.
Reacting to the BJP MP’s claims, BJD MLA Gautam Buddha Das said probe is in progress and thos involved in corruption will face legal action as per law.
Notably, officials of the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) and Special Task Force (STF) conducted raids at multiple locations linked to BJD leader Raja Chakra.
Several locations associated with Raja Chakra throughout prominent mining belts in the state, including Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Gopalpur in Brahmapur were raided by EOW teams. The probe also led to an extensive 11-hour interrogation of Raja Chakra.