What Actions Did the ED Take Against Jharkhand's Illegal Sand Mining?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has made a bold move against illegal sand mining in Jharkhand, seizing assets worth over Rs 3 crore. This crackdown reveals the extent of the crime syndicate's operations and the authorities' commitment to combatting such illegal activities.
Key Takeaways
- The ED has seized 30 properties linked to illegal sand mining.
- The total value of the seized properties is Rs 3.02 crore.
- The investigation is based on multiple FIRs filed by the Jharkhand Police.
- Ankit Raj is the primary individual associated with the illegal activities.
- Illegal mining operations were conducted even after licenses expired.
Ranchi, Aug 18 (NationPress) In a significant move against the illegal sand mining syndicate in Jharkhand, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized 30 properties, both movable and immovable, with a total worth of Rs 3.02 crore, as announced in a statement on Monday.
The properties were confiscated on August 14 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and are linked to Ankit Raj.
Raj and his associates allegedly employed a complex, multi-tiered strategy to unlawfully mine, store, and transport sand, according to the statement.
This operation was crafted to optimize illegal earnings while systematically flouting mining laws and misusing public authority, it stated.
The ED revealed that the confiscated assets were obtained through proceeds of crime (POC) generated from these unlawful enterprises.
The investigation commenced following 16 FIRs filed by the Jharkhand Police on December 15, 2023, citing charges of extortion, illegal sand mining, interference with government operations, and involvement with a militant organization known as the Jharkhand Tiger Group.
As part of the investigative process, the ED executed searches on March 12 and 13, 2024, and on July 4, 2025, to collect evidence regarding the Proceeds of Crime (POC), as mentioned in the statement.
A survey was also conducted on July 18, 2025, at the District Mining Office in Hazaribagh to gather documentation relevant to Ankit Raj's illegal sand operations.
Based on witness testimonies, documentation from the District Mining Authorities, and data from digital devices, the investigation demonstrated that Ankit Raj persisted in illegally extracting sand from the Haharo, Plandu, and Damodar rivers, even after his mining license for Sonpura Ghat expired in 2019, as stated by the ED.
In July, the ED executed raids at eight sites associated with close allies of former Congress MLA Amba Prasad from Jharkhand’s Barkagaon Assembly constituency.
These raids were part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to a major firm involved in coal transportation, infrastructure, and the power sector.
According to sources, concurrent searches occurred in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Barkagaon.
Point of View
We stand firmly in support of the rule of law. The actions taken by the Enforcement Directorate against illegal sand mining in Jharkhand underscore the necessity of strict enforcement of regulations to safeguard our natural resources. We advocate for transparency and accountability in all sectors, especially in cases involving public authority misuse.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's investigation into illegal sand mining?
The ED initiated the investigation based on 16 FIRs filed by the Jharkhand Police, which included serious charges such as extortion and illegal sand mining.
What is the estimated value of the properties seized by the ED?
The Enforcement Directorate seized properties valued at approximately Rs 3.02 crore.
Who is Ankit Raj and what is his connection to the case?
Ankit Raj is the individual associated with the illegal sand mining operations, and the properties seized belong to him.
Which rivers were involved in the illegal sand mining activities?
The illegal sand mining activities were reported to take place in the Haharo, Plandu, and Damodar rivers.
What legal framework is the ED using for this case?
The ED is operating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
