Crime Branch EOW Raids Former MP N Bhaskar Rao’s Residence In Rayagada Over Rs 80-Crore Embezzlement Allegation

Rayagada, Nov 6: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch on Friday raided the residence of former MP N Bhaskar Rao at Raniguda in Rayagada town in connection with an alleged embezzlement of Rs 80 crore belonging to the Truck Owners’ Association.

A 21-member EOW team, led by an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), carried out the raid. The team reportedly includes five Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and five inspectors.

According to sources, a special EOW team arrived in Rayagada on Thursday and had been investigating alleged financial irregularities for the past two days before conducting the raid.

The complaint was reportedly lodged by the late Y Venkateswara Rao, former president of the Truck Owners’ Association, who had accused former MP Bhaskar Rao and others of misappropriating around Rs 80 crore belonging to the association.

The complaint was initially filed at Rayagada police station, following which the case was transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.

Bhaskar Rao is reportedly not present in Rayagada at the moment. The EOW team is questioning some staff members at his residence as part of the investigation.

Officials have declined to share further details about the ongoing operation.