ED files supplementary complaint against Odisha miner in ₹341 crore money laundering case
Synopsis
A Bhubaneswar miner facing 27 FIRs across Odisha has been hit with a supplementary ED prosecution complaint over ₹341 crore in alleged laundered proceeds — backed by satellite imagery confirming unauthorised digging across seven land patches. With his bail rejected and a fourth custody stint granted, the case is among the largest illegal mining money laundering prosecutions in the state.
Key Takeaways
The ED, Bhubaneswar Zonal Office filed a supplementary prosecution complaint on 16 October 2026 against miner Ratikanta Rout before the Special Court (PMLA), Bhubaneswar.
Rout and his associated entities allegedly generated proceeds of crime exceeding ₹341 crore through illegal quarrying, mineral theft, and explosive misuse.
The main complaint was filed on 7 July 2026 against Rout's wife, Laxmipriya Prusty , and other accomplices.
Rout has 27 FIRs against him across Odisha, covering illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity, and explosives supply.
ORSAC drone and satellite surveys confirmed unauthorised excavation across seven patches beyond lease boundaries.
Rout was arrested on 20 August 2026 ; his bail has been rejected and he remains in judicial custody as of the filing date.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint before the Special Court (PMLA) in Bhubaneswar against Ratikanta Rout, a Bhubaneswar-based miner accused of laundering proceeds exceeding ₹341 crore from illegal mining, theft, dacoity, and the unlawful supply of explosives. The complaint was formally submitted on 16 October 2026, making it the first supplementary filing in the case.
Background of the Case
The main prosecution complaint in the matter had earlier been filed on 7 July 2026 against Rout's wife, Laxmipriya Prusty, and his other alleged accomplices. The ED launched its money laundering investigation against Rout after multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered by the Odisha Police against him under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
According to the agency, Rout is a history-sheeter with 27 FIRs registered against him at various police stations across Odisha, spanning illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity, and the supply of explosives.
Scale of the Alleged Illegal Mining
Rout reportedly held minor mineral quarry leases in Dhenkanal, but allegedly engaged in large-scale excavation far beyond permissible limits. The agency stated he extracted minerals from unauthorised areas, procured and used explosives illegally, and was involved in the theft and adulteration of minerals.
Drone and satellite surveys conducted by the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) confirmed excess mining within the lease areas and unauthorised excavation across seven patches outside lease boundaries — including government land and property owned by his company, M/s Assurance Condev Pvt. Ltd.
How the Money Was Allegedly Laundered
According to the ED, Rout laundered and routed funds through a web of interconnected accounts and business entities, including Maa Tarini Stone Crusher, RLR Mercantile, Sai Sambhu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (SSIPL), Assurance Metalloyd Exim Pvt. Ltd., and through individuals including Laxmipriya Prusty. Proceeds of crime were allegedly concealed in movable and immovable assets registered in Rout's name, in the names of family members, and under associated businesses.
Arrests, Searches, and Custody
The agency had searched several linked premises as far back as 8 January 2025. Rout was formally arrested on 20 August 2026 and remanded to ED custody for five days by the Special Court. His bail plea was rejected on 26 August 2026, sending him to judicial custody. A further four days of ED custody was subsequently granted on 7 September 2026 after new incriminating evidence was placed before the court. The court dismissed his bail plea after observing prima facie involvement in money laundering activities.
What Comes Next
With the supplementary complaint now before the Special Court (PMLA) in Bhubaneswar, the case is set to progress towards trial. The ED's findings — corroborated by satellite imagery from ORSAC — are expected to form a key part of the prosecution's evidentiary record, and the outcome could have wider implications for enforcement action against illegal mining networks in Odisha.
Point of View
And if it holds up in the Special Court, it could set a precedent for evidence standards in similar prosecutions. However, with 27 FIRs filed over years before a central agency intervened, the case also raises questions about why state-level enforcement failed to act decisively far sooner. The ₹341 crore figure, if proven, points to a scale of operation that could not have been sustained without systemic blind spots.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ED case against Ratikanta Rout about?
The ED has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against Ratikanta Rout, a Bhubaneswar-based miner, for alleged money laundering linked to illegal quarrying, mineral theft, dacoity, and explosives supply in Odisha. The agency claims Rout and his entities generated proceeds of crime exceeding ₹341 crore.
What is a supplementary prosecution complaint under PMLA?
A supplementary prosecution complaint is an additional charge sheet filed before a special PMLA court after a main complaint has already been submitted, typically to include new evidence or additional accused. In this case, it targets Rout himself, while the main complaint filed on 7 July 2026 named his wife Laxmipriya Prusty and other associates.
How was the illegal mining confirmed?
Drone and satellite surveys by the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) confirmed excess mining within Rout's lease areas and unauthorised excavation across seven patches outside lease boundaries, including government land. This spatial evidence forms a key part of the ED's case.
What is Ratikanta Rout's current legal status?
Rout was arrested on 20 August 2026 and his bail plea was rejected on 26 August 2026, placing him in judicial custody. A further four days of ED custody was granted on 7 September 2026 after new incriminating evidence emerged. He remains in custody as of the latest court proceedings.
Who else is named in the money laundering case?
Rout's wife Laxmipriya Prusty and several associates were named in the main complaint filed on 7 July 2026. Entities involved reportedly include Maa Tarini Stone Crusher, RLR Mercantile, Sai Sambhu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., and Assurance Metalloyd Exim Pvt. Ltd., through which funds were allegedly routed and concealed.
