Odisha Mining Scam: Allegations, Arrests, and Political Turmoil

Former Odisha minister Badri Narayan Patra has accused senior IAS and IPS officers of involvement in a multi-crore mining and transport scam in Keonjhar district. These allegations follow the arrest of Biju Yuva Janata Dal leader Soumya Shankar Chakra by the Economic Offences Wing for illegal mining activities.

Former Odisha minister Badri Narayan Patra has leveled serious accusations against prominent IAS and IPS officers, alleging their involvement in a multi-crore mining and transport scam in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district.

The controversy intensified after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch apprehended Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) leader Soumya Shankar Chakra, also known as Raja Chakra, for his suspected role in the illegal operations.

According to Patra, who is a seasoned BJD MLA, the district's former magistrate and police superintendent allegedly provided support to Chakra, implicating them in the illegal activities. The silence from the accused officials and a tepid response from the opposition party have raised further questions about the mining scandal.

(With inputs from agencies.)