Did the ED seize Rs 2.63 crore in searches targeting Odisha's sand mafia?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate's recent operation in Odisha's Ganjam district revealed a shocking amount of illegal financial activities linked to the sand mafia, exposing a web of corruption and crime. This extensive crackdown highlights the urgent need for legal and regulatory reforms to combat such rampant illegal activities in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Significant cash seizures highlight the extent of illegal mining operations.
- ED's crackdown shows commitment to enforcing the law.
- Connections between criminal syndicates and local businesses are alarming.
- Environmental damage from illegal mining is a growing concern.
- Need for regulatory reform to combat illegal activities.
New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) - In a decisive move against illegal sand and blackstone mining operations, the ED executed searches at over 25 locations in Odisha’s Ganjam district, resulting in the seizure of Rs 2.63 crore in cash along with incriminating documents, as confirmed by an official on Sunday.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), operating from the Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, conducted this coordinated search on January 16, under the authority of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The operation targeted contractors and proprietors involved in local liquor (bhati) businesses, as stated by the ED.
During the searches, a total of Rs 2.63 crore in cash was recovered, in addition to numerous incriminating documents, significant property records, and agreements, which included power agreements and mining leases linked to the individuals under investigation.
High-value benami vehicles, acquired through proceeds of crime, were also uncovered during the operation, according to the ED.
The premises searched were associated with brokers and syndicates with serious criminal backgrounds, along with their business associates. The ED reported that these individuals often used intimidation to conduct illegal mining activities and the sale of minor minerals, exploiting and terrorizing local residents.
The federal investigative agency commenced its investigation based on FIRs filed against various sand syndicates operating illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals in Ganjam district, utilizing falsified Y forms (transit permits).
Several syndicate members have multiple FIRs registered against them in Ganjam district, involving severe offenses such as murder, kidnapping, physical assault, forgery, cheating, and extortion, according to the ED.
Moreover, the CAG has indicated extensive illegal mining along the riverbeds of Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Bada in Ganjam district, leading to substantial losses for the government.
Reports suggest that mining leases were acquired by syndicate members unlawfully and coercively, offering commissions to original allottees at predetermined rates, as stated in an official report.
Mining licenses granted to other leaseholders are non-transferable and prohibited by law.
This unauthorized use of licenses enabled syndicate members to extract more sand or blackstone than allowed under government regulations, according to the ED.
A significant portion of the minerals obtained through unauthorized mining was sold in the grey market, usually for cash.
The operational methods also involved the use of forged Y forms (transit passes) to market illegally obtained minerals.
The proceeds from these illicit mining activities were primarily handled in cash, often funneled through local liquor and other businesses, the ED reported.
Most of these financial transactions remain unaccounted and unrecorded, resulting in considerable losses to the government.
Point of View
The recent actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate against illegal mining operations in Odisha reflect a growing recognition of the need to uphold the law and protect natural resources. Such efforts are vital in fostering accountability and ensuring that communities are safeguarded from exploitation by criminal syndicates.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What action did the ED take against illegal mining in Odisha?
The ED conducted searches at over 25 premises in Ganjam district, seizing Rs 2.63 crore in cash and incriminating documents.
What laws did the ED operate under during the searches?
The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
What types of illegal activities were being investigated?
The investigation focused on illegal sand and blackstone mining, as well as associated crimes such as extortion and forgery.
What findings were revealed during the ED's operation?
The operation uncovered high-end benami vehicles and substantial incriminating documents related to illegal mining activities.
How has illegal mining impacted the local community?
Illegal mining operations have led to environmental degradation and exploitation of local residents by criminal syndicates.
