Manhunt on for fugitive sand mafia

Hatadihi: Authorities have intensified ed crackdown on the sand mafia, with police, Mining and Revenue officials carrying out coordinated raids to curb illegal sand mining and transport in this block of Keonjhar district.

Police said they are in “action mode,” targeting wanted operators and seizing trucks loaded with illegally mined sand. The sustained enforcement drive has disrupted the mafia’s network, forcing several accused to flee.

Last Saturday, Nandipada police arrested two members of the mafia. So far, 19 cases have been registered against nine main accused and several others.

The accused include Don Bullet and Azad of Aapanda village under Bhadrak district’s Banta police station, Bhupesh “Litu”, Manas Ranjan, Badudi alias Manguli of Badarams village, Jagannath of Chhenapadi, Munu, Santosh alias Bapi of Jalkalanga, and Deepti Ranjan of Ishala.

Officials said members of the group recently attempted to fill a trench dug by the administration to block illegal sand transport and even threatened to assault the Hatadihi tehsildar.

Sources said nearly 80 sand mining-related cases have been registered at Nandipada police station in less than a year.

Despite earlier protests, including a “sand satyagraha,” illegal mining continues day and night at 17 locations across Hatadihi, Ghasipura and Anandapur blocks, violating the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, the Environment (Protection) Act and the Odisha Sand Policy.

Officials estimate the government has lost nearly Rs 2,000 crore worth of revenue.

A complaint filed October 30 sought the installation of AI cameras, the identification of offenders and the assessment of revenue loss.

Following this, the DGP’s office and the Chief Minister’s Office ordered inquiries. Anandapur SDPO Prashant Behera said absconding members will be booked under the Organised Crime Section.

Mining officer Tarini Singh said more than Rs 50 lakh in penalties has been collected this year.

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