The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Odisha has arrested Manas Ranjan Barik, ex-president, and Utkal Das, secretary of Gandhamardhan Loading Agency and Transporting Cooperative Society Ltd, Keonjhar, for misappropriating over Rs 35 crore, media reports say.
Allegedly, they conspired with office bearers and outsiders to monopolize operations, forge documents, and overcharge for iron ore loading. The society charged Rs 60 per ton, inflating costs illegally.
Funds meant for labor, development, and infrastructure were diverted without proper documentation. The fraud, spanning 2017-2024, surfaced after a complaint by Biswanath Roul. Investigations are ongoing.
