The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out a massive crackdown on a powerful mining syndicate in Odisha's Ganjam district, seizing ₹2.63 crore in hard cash and a fleet of luxury vehicles. The operation, which involved over 175 officials from six different states, targeted more than 25 locations on January 16 as part of a deep dive into illegal sand and black stone mining.
According to the agency, the investigation was triggered by a series of FIRs and a damning report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The CAG had previously flagged "rampant" illegal extraction along the riverbeds of the Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Bada rivers— activities that reportedly drained the state exchequer of massive revenues.
The ED’s findings paint a picture of a syndicate that ruled through "muscle power and terror." Investigators say the group essentially hijacked legitimate mining leases from original holders, forcing them to hand over operations in exchange for a fixed commission.
To move the stolen sand and stone, the group allegedly used forged "Y Forms" (transit permits) to sell products on the grey market.
The background of the syndicate members is equally grim. The ED noted that many involved have long rap sheets including murder, kidnapping, and extortion. During the raids, officials also recovered incriminating property documents and power of attorney agreements that suggest a wide-reaching network of benami assets.
The central investigative agency has clarified that while the cash and cars have been seized, the probe is far from over as they continue to trace the full extent of the money laundering trail.
Also read: Subhadra Yojana funds to reach 4.57 lakh women: Odisha DCM
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