The Income Tax Department carried out an extensive search operation on Sunday at the residence of Manoj Mishra — a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and former Komna Block chairman — in the Nuapada district of Odisha. The raids began early in the morning and were overseen by senior tax officials.
According to sources, the I-T officials reached Mishra’s Komna residence around 6 am and immediately began inspecting financial records, electronic devices and property documentation. Mishra, who also serves as one of the general secretaries of the BJD’s Nuapada district unit, was present at the time the operation commenced.
Security was stepped up in the area with local police deployed to maintain law and order, and access to the residence was sealed by the I-T team to restrict unauthorised movement. The search reportedly included bank statements, property papers and possible cash holdings.
While the exact basis for the raid has not been publicly confirmed, officials indicated that the action forms part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities. No formal statement has yet been issued by the Income Tax Department, and no arrests have been made. Officials added that a full inventory of any seized items is expected to be released once the operation is complete.
The action follows a similar raid on October 31 at the residence of senior BJD leader and former minister Pritiranjan Gharai at Khariar Road, an operation that triggered protests by BJD supporters who alleged the searches were politically motivated.
The timing of the raid is significant: it comes on the last day of campaigning ahead of the November 11 by-polls in Nuapada. Political observers say the developments have added a fresh layer of tension in the constituency. Senior tax authorities from Bhubaneswar and Raipur are reportedly monitoring the investigation closely.
