Bhubaneswar, Nov 26: The Odisha government has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand mining across several districts, launching coordinated operations under “Operation Balu Bajra,” officials said.

The move comes after repeated attacks on government officials and police forces by sand mafia groups, who have long operated with impunity in riverbeds and sand ghats.

Jagatsinghpur Raids

In Jagatsinghpur district, a joint operation led by the Central Range DIG, District Collector, and SP resulted in the seizure of more than 50 trucks illegally transporting sand from the Mahanadi riverbed at Kilipal. Police arrested five truck drivers and one machine operator during the midnight raid.

Authorities revealed that contractors had violated tender norms, extracting 300–400 meters of sand beyond permissible limits. Daily illegal transport reportedly exceeded 200 trucks, prompting heavy police deployment at the site.

Attack on Officials in Mayurbhanj

The crackdown has triggered violent retaliation. In Mayurbhanj, sand mafia members attacked Betanati Tehsildar Chandrajit Behera and his driver near Tulasi Choura. Police arrested three accused in connection with the assault. Officials said that raids against illegal sand transport continue despite threats.

MLA Leads Action in Nabarangpur

In Nabarangpur, local MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi personally joined raids against illegal sand lifting. Wearing a traditional ‘gamucha’, he crossed the river with Sarpanch, BDO and other government officials to seize a tipper and JCB engaged in unlawful mining. The drivers and operators were taken into custody, underscoring the seriousness of the campaign.

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Minister’s Stern Warning

Odisha’s Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Jena has issued a strong warning, declaring that no mafia can escape government scrutiny. He emphasized that the crackdown would continue until illegal sand and mineral mafias are completely eradicated. “If they think they can intimidate the government, they are mistaken. Larger actions will follow,” he said.

A Statewide Offensive

Past incidents show that sand mafias have attacked police during raids, pelting stones and damaging vehicles. With the government now in “action mode,” officials insist that illegal sand transport will no longer be tolerated. The coordinated offensive signals a decisive step toward restoring law and order in Odisha’s sand mining sector.