Illegal Mining / ED Files Supplementary Chargesheet Against Odisha Miner in Rs341-Crore Money Laundering Case

Bhubaneswar, Oct 19: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against Odisha-based miner Ratikanta Rout in connection with an alleged illegal mining and money laundering case involving proceeds of crime worth over Rs341 crore, Officials said on Monday.

According to an official statement issued on Monday, the complaint was filed on October 16 before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bhubaneswar. It is the first supplementary prosecution complaint in the case. The main prosecution complaint had earlier been filed on July 7 against Rout's wife, Laxmipriya Prusty, and other alleged associates.

Multiple Criminal Cases

The ED initiated its money laundering probe on the basis of several FIRs registered by Odisha Police under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and Explosive Substances Act. The agency alleged that Rout was involved in the acquisition, possession and concealment of proceeds of crime through movable and immovable assets held in his name, through family members and associated entities.

The agency described Rout as a history-sheeter with as many as 27 criminal cases registered against him across Odisha. These cases relate to alleged illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity and unlawful supply of explosives.

Alleged Illegal Mining Network

According to the ED, Rout and entities linked to him generated proceeds of crime exceeding Rs341 crore through illegal mining activities. While holding minor mineral quarry leases in Dhenkanal district, he allegedly carried out excavation beyond permissible limits, extracted minerals from unauthorised areas and used explosives without approval.

Drone and satellite surveys conducted by the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) reportedly confirmed excess mining within leased areas and illegal excavation at seven locations outside lease boundaries, including government land and property belonging to his company, Assurance Condev Pvt. Ltd.

The ED further alleged that illegal funds were routed through a network of firms, including Maa Tarini Stone Crusher, RLR Mercantile, Sai Sambhu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. and Assurance Metalloyd Exim Pvt. Ltd.
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Arrest and Custody

Following searches at multiple premises in January 2025, Rout was arrested on August 20, 2026. His bail application was later rejected, and he was remanded to judicial custody. The agency subsequently secured additional custody after placing fresh evidence before the court, which observed prima facie material indicating his involvement in money laundering activities.