The ongoing Income Tax Department raids targeting the family of late Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das have entered their fifth day, intensifying political unease in Western Odisha. The operations, which began on June 19, have led to unrest among Das’s loyalists and exposed growing fractures within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

A total of 19 locations have been searched so far—including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bhubaneswar, and Delhi—focusing on alleged tax evasion linked to coal and ash transport businesses operated by Das’s family and associate Sanjay Nanda.

Massive Search Operation Targets Das’s Immediate Family

The raids have involved 220 officials, a scientific team, and 40 CRPF personnel. Properties linked to Das’s wife Minati, his brother and contractor Braja Kishore Das, daughter Deepali Das, and son Bishal Das were searched extensively. This marks the third such operation in 2024, following previous raids in January and ahead of the general elections.

Supporters Voice Anger Over BJD’s Silence

The raids have triggered resentment among Das’s supporters, especially those involved in the 2023 Jharsuguda by-election, where his daughter Deepali contested. Frustration spilled onto social media platforms and WhatsApp groups tied to Team Deepali Das, Jharsuguda Zilla Parishad BJD, and Jharsuguda Municipality BJD. Many supporters questioned why the BJD leadership, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, remained silent.

“Our leader’s son Bishal is under pressure from the BJP government, yet the BJD has not spoken up,” read one message. Calls to exit the BJD gained traction, with some users suggesting Deepali and Bishal might switch to Congress, where Naba Das had once been a prominent figure before joining the BJD in 2019.

Local Leaders and Opposition React

Jharsuguda BJD president Harish Ganatra declined to comment directly on the raids, stating that it was inappropriate to speak while the matter was ongoing. He also dismissed speculation about Deepali or Bishal leaving the party, calling it unfounded.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sura Routray criticized the raids as politically motivated and undemocratic. His comments were widely welcomed by Das’s supporters, further fuelling speculation of a possible shift in political loyalties.

Legacy of Naba Das and Political Repercussions

The raids come amid renewed attention to the legacy of Naba Kishore Das, who was assassinated by a police officer on January 29, 2023, in Brajrajnagar. The Odisha Police reopened the investigation in March 2025 following a request from the Das family during a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The silence from the BJD high command is deepening tensions with Das’s support base, who perceive the raids as targeted harassment under the BJP-led state government. With Deepali Das emerging as a political force in Jharsuguda, these developments could significantly reshape the region’s political landscape and diminish the BJD’s influence in Western Odisha.

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