Bhubaneswar, March 18: In a significant development preceding the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reignited focus on the Rs 1800-crore Uliburu mining scam in Keonjhar. This resurgence comes as the ED interrogated the brother of the prime accused in the case.

As the central agency intensifies its investigation, prime accused Deepak Gupta and his brother Champak Gupta were summoned by the ED in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Sources indicate that the duo faced questioning regarding alleged money laundering aspects of the case.

Recent actions by the ED included raids on 12 locations in Kolkata and Odisha approximately two weeks ago, aimed at uncovering evidence related to the mining scam. During these raids, the ED reportedly seized a luxury car, jewelry valued at Rs 1.24 crore, Rs 30 lakh in cash, and froze bank accounts with deposits totaling Rs 1.23 crore.

Sources further reveal that the ED has petitioned the PMLA court to authorize the attachment of properties worth Rs 380 crore belonging to the mining company implicated in the scam.

The Uliburu mining scandal involves large-scale mining operations conducted beyond the lease area of Uliburu mines in the Joda circle of Keonjhar district, allegedly resulting in a loss of Rs 1800 crore to the state exchequer. Additionally, minerals were extracted beyond permissible limits, further exacerbating the ramifications of the illicit activities.

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