Operation Balu Bajra / Odisha Intensifies Crackdown On Illegal Sand Mining; Truck, Machine Seized In Jagatsinghpur
·1 month ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Odisha's anti-illegal mining drive, Operation Balu Bajra, seized a truck with 20 tonnes of sand and extraction machinery in Jagatsinghpur.
- Six drivers detained; DM, SP, and SDM were present during the operation; several vehicles allegedly fled.
- Previous raids in Tirtol and Biridi led to seizures of sand bags and suspension of a mining official.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 12: Odisha intensified its crackdown on illegal sand mining under “Operation Balu Bajra” with a late-night raid near Kulasahi in Raghunathpur area of Jagatsinghpur tehsil, our source from the ground informed Thursday.
During the operation, officials seized a truck allegedly loaded with around 20 tonnes of sand along with a machine used for extraction. More than six drivers were detained in connection with the case. The raid was conducted in the presence of the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, officials said.
Sources said illegal sand mining had reportedly been continuing in the locality for a considerable period. However, before authorities could seize all vehicles involved, several vehicles allegedly fled the spot.
Previous Raids in Tirtol, Biridi
In earlier action under the same drive, officials conducted raids in Kilipal in the Tirtol region, where around 70 bags of sand and five machines were seized. A mining official linked to the operation was subsequently suspended, according to administrative sources.
Also Read: Drone Spotted Close To Jagannath Temple Airspace, 25-Year-Old Man From Karnataka Detained
On February 6, a surprise raid was carried out in Adhang Majurai village under Biridi police station limits in Jagatsinghpur district. More than 200 bags of sand were allegedly found illegally stored at two locations. Officials suspected that the sand was being sold at inflated prices. The raid was conducted by the Deputy Collector and his team.
Administration Vows Continued Action
While the district administration reported multiple successful seizures under Operation Balu Bajra, officials acknowledged that illegal mining activities have not been entirely eliminated.
District Collector J Sonal said, “The seized sand will be investigated and auctioned. Further investigation will be carried out in accordance with the law.”
In November 2025, authorities had seized 48 sand-laden trucks and three poclain machines during the drive and initiated action against those allegedly involved.
Officials said police and civil administration are jointly continuing enforcement measures to curb illegal sand mining across the district.
This story is compiled by Satabhisa Jena.
During the operation, officials seized a truck allegedly loaded with around 20 tonnes of sand along with a machine used for extraction. More than six drivers were detained in connection with the case. The raid was conducted in the presence of the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, officials said.
Sources said illegal sand mining had reportedly been continuing in the locality for a considerable period. However, before authorities could seize all vehicles involved, several vehicles allegedly fled the spot.
Previous Raids in Tirtol, Biridi
In earlier action under the same drive, officials conducted raids in Kilipal in the Tirtol region, where around 70 bags of sand and five machines were seized. A mining official linked to the operation was subsequently suspended, according to administrative sources.
Also Read: Drone Spotted Close To Jagannath Temple Airspace, 25-Year-Old Man From Karnataka Detained
On February 6, a surprise raid was carried out in Adhang Majurai village under Biridi police station limits in Jagatsinghpur district. More than 200 bags of sand were allegedly found illegally stored at two locations. Officials suspected that the sand was being sold at inflated prices. The raid was conducted by the Deputy Collector and his team.
Administration Vows Continued Action
While the district administration reported multiple successful seizures under Operation Balu Bajra, officials acknowledged that illegal mining activities have not been entirely eliminated.
District Collector J Sonal said, “The seized sand will be investigated and auctioned. Further investigation will be carried out in accordance with the law.”
In November 2025, authorities had seized 48 sand-laden trucks and three poclain machines during the drive and initiated action against those allegedly involved.
Officials said police and civil administration are jointly continuing enforcement measures to curb illegal sand mining across the district.
This story is compiled by Satabhisa Jena.
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