Income Tax raids at multiple properties linked to slain BJD minister Naba Kishore Das
The Income Tax Department has launched a massive raid operation across Odisha and beyond. Officials are investigating assets and businesses connected to the family of late BJD leader Naba Kishore Das. These actions mark a significant moment in the state’s political and financial landscape.
Over 20 I-T teams carried out searches at more than 40 locations. These include Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Bargarh, Bhubaneswar, and even cities in Chhattisgarh and Delhi. The teams targeted properties linked to Braja Kishore Das, Naba Das’ brother, who runs several firms.
Major Business Interests Under Scrutiny
Officials focused on Braja’s construction company, BKD Constructions, and other related businesses. These firms have handled key infrastructure projects in Odisha for years. Authorities suspect tax evasion and suspicious financial growth in these ventures.
The teams searched homes, offices, and business premises. They examined files, computer data, and cash records. Preliminary reports suggest they found unaccounted money, but details are still emerging.
Why the Raids Matter
Naba Kishore Das served as a powerful minister in Odisha. His assassination in January 2023 shocked the state. A police officer shot him at close range, and questions still surround the motive. The state’s Crime Branch has reopened the case, looking for deeper connections.
While these raids are tax-related, they also stir political concerns. Many believe they could expose hidden financial and political links in the late minister’s family network.
Business Expansion Raised Eyebrows
Braja Das expanded his business empire rapidly over the past decade. His company executed several road and building projects. Many of these contracts were government-funded.
Sources say officials are now checking how the firm won these projects. Some deals allegedly bypassed open tendering. The department is also reviewing land deals and ownership documents. Investigators suspect some properties may involve benami transactions.
Political Reaction Heats Up
The opposition did not hold back. Leaders from the BJP and Congress criticized the BJD. They claim the government turned a blind eye while the Das family grew richer. “How did one family gain so much power and wealth?” a BJP spokesperson asked.
So far, the BJD has not commented on the raids. But political insiders suggest that internal party rivalries might have played a role. After Naba Das’ death, leadership in western Odisha became a contested issue.
Old Allegations Resurface
These are not the first accusations against Braja or his company. In 2017, opposition leaders accused BKD Constructions of winning projects unfairly. At the time, the matter didn’t go far. But now, with new financial tracking tools and digital records, authorities are looking deeper.
Officials are examining GST filings, bank records, and company ownership data. They aim to uncover undisclosed income and suspicious financial activities.
Legal Steps Ahead
The Income Tax Department may now issue formal notices. If violations are confirmed, they could also file cases under the Income Tax Act and the Benami Transactions Act. In serious cases, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may begin its own investigation.
Experts say this probe could stretch on for months. If major irregularities come to light, the political fallout could be significant.
Links to Murder Case?
Some observers believe there’s more to this than just financial misconduct. With the murder case back in focus, these raids could help uncover a wider network. Investigators might find connections between financial flows and political influence.
If new evidence ties business dealings to criminal motives, the case could shift in a major way.
A Turning Point?
For Odisha, these raids may signal a turning point. Naba Kishore Das was seen as both a strong leader and a political financier. His murder and the investigations that followed have already shaken the state’s power structure.
Now, with tax authorities following the money trail, the spotlight is back on transparency and accountability. The results of this probe could reshape not only the Das family’s fortunes but also political alignments in Odisha.
Conclusion
The ongoing I-T raids involving late minister Naba Kishore Das’ family have brought fresh attention to issues of political power, money, and accountability. As officials dig deeper, the findings could have lasting consequences. Whether these actions are purely financial or tied to the late minister’s unsolved murder remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Odisha is watching closely.
