Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Odisha: ED Swoops In

Enforcement Directorate officers conducted extensive searches in Odisha's Ganjam district related to illegal minor mineral mining, resulting in the discovery of cash, luxury vehicles, and property documents. The investigation targets alleged mafia members under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and continues to uncover new findings.

In a significant operation on Friday, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers descended on more than 20 locations across Odisha's Ganjam district. Their mission: to investigate the illegal mining of minor minerals, including sand and black stone.

The ED's searches were aimed at properties owned by alleged mafias and their affiliates, as they pursued charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The raids have thus far yielded an almirah packed with cash amounting to over Rs 2 crore, high-end vehicles, and numerous property documents.

The operation, still ongoing, is part of a larger crackdown on influential figures using coercion and muscle to dominate the mining industry in various Ganjam locales. More details, including the total cash seized, are expected once the operation concludes.

(With inputs from agencies.)