The Income Tax Department on Thursday launched a major crackdown on properties linked to late Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, raiding over 20 locations across Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bhubaneswar, Sundargarh, and Delhi on suspicions of large-scale tax evasion.

The raids, which began early at 5 a.m., were carried out by 120 Income Tax officers, supported by 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and a scientific team. Properties belonging to Das’ family members, close associates, and business entities were targeted, with a particular focus on his residence at Sarbahal in Jharsuguda, where operations continued until at least 7 p.m. No official statements or disclosures were made by authorities regarding materials recovered during the searches.

Focus on Coal, Ash Transport & Biofuel Ventures

The investigation reportedly centers on financial dealings related to coal and ash transportation and biofuel projects, where significant monetary transactions had taken place. Vishal Das, son of Naba Das, is under scrutiny for investment records and his partnership in four Jharsuguda-based firms since mid-2023. Searches also extended to the properties of Braja Kishore Das, the minister’s brother, and business associate Sanjay Nanda, both allegedly involved in the coal transport trade.

In Sambalpur, establishments such as Hotel Mandarin, D-Lounge, and a residence in Mudipada were also searched, adding to the scale of the investigation.

Political Fallout and ED Link

A source close to the investigation suggested that while no formal findings have been revealed, the breadth of the raids signals serious charges. The operation is reportedly being coordinated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and follows earlier IT raids conducted in January 2025 on the properties of Braja Das, where responses to IT notices were found to be insufficient.

The fresh scrutiny has generated considerable political stir in Odisha, especially given Naba Das’ status as a prominent BJD leader who was assassinated in January 2023. The renewed investigation into his family’s financial activities is seen as part of a larger trend of heightened accountability for high-profile figures.

As the operation enters its second day, speculation continues around the political implications and possible further revelations in what appears to be one of Odisha’s most high-profile tax probes in recent years.