Argus News - ED Seizes Rs2.63 Crore in Odisha Mining Crackdown

Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized Rs 2.63 crore in cash and several vehicles during extensive raids across Ganjam district in Odisha, as part of its probe into illegal sand and black stone mining and related money laundering activities, officials said on Sunday.

According to the official sources, the Bhubaneswar Zonal Office of the ED conducted searches at more than 25 locations on January 16 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operation involved over 175 officials drawn from six states.

The raids targeted a syndicate accused of forcibly conducting illegal mining of minor minerals by deploying muscle power and intimidating local communities. Contractors and proprietors linked to country liquor operations were also under the scanner.

Officials said the crackdown exposed benami assets, including high-value vehicles and property documents, suspected of being linked to proceeds of crime. The ED noted that the syndicate had allegedly terrorised locals to monopolise mining activities, causing significant environmental and revenue losses.

The investigation is underway, with the agency expected to expand its probe into political and business links associated with the illegal trade, officials said.