Bhubaneswar, May 18: In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining and transportation, the Special Squad of Keonjhar Police carried out simultaneous raids at multiple locations across the district late Sunday night.

According to reports, as many as 12 teams of the Special Squad were deployed for the operation, which targeted areas under Anandapur, Ghasipura and Nandipada police station limits, including several locations in the Ghatgaon region. The coordinated raids were aimed at dismantling the illegal sand trade network operating in the district.

During the operation, police also raided the residence of Jitendra Sa, a prominent sand trader based in Ghatgaon, as part of the investigation into alleged illegal sand extraction and transportation activities.

Officials seized cash amounting to nearly Rs 25 lakh along with more than 30 vehicles suspected to have been used for illegal sand transportation. Police also recovered several documents and other materials believed to be linked to illegal financial transactions connected with the sand business.

So far, 12 persons have been detained for questioning in connection with the case. Police sources said investigators are closely examining the seized documents and evidence to trace the larger network involved in the illegal trade.

The raids are part of an ongoing drive by district police to curb the activities of the sand mafia and prevent unauthorized mining operations in Keonjhar district.

Powered by Froala Editor