Ganjam Police Seize 11 Vehicles in Late-Night Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining
In a decisive move against illegal sand mining, Ganjam police launched a late-night operation on Tuesday. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of 11 sand-laden vehicles across different locations. This action targeted areas under the Aska and Kabisurya Nagar police station limits.
Simultaneous Raids Yield Significant Results
Police teams conducted coordinated raids throughout the district. Aska police successfully impounded nine sand-laden trucks from various spots. Meanwhile, Kabisurya Nagar police seized two sand-loaded tractors from Adheibara village. The operations unfolded simultaneously, demonstrating a well-planned strategy.
Subhendu Patra, the Superintendent of Police for Ganjam, confirmed the details. He stated that legal action would follow against the seized vehicles. Authorities will also pursue individuals involved in the illegal transportation of sand. This process will commence after thorough verification of all relevant documents.
Joint Efforts and Ongoing Investigations
Mining officers and police personnel in the Aska area worked together during the raids. Kulamani Sethi, the inspector-in-charge of Aska police station, provided an update. He mentioned that his team is currently examining the documents of the confiscated vehicles. The verification process is a crucial step before proceeding with formal charges.
Niranjan Sethi, the inspector-in-charge of Kabisurya Nagar police station, reported similar actions. His station has already registered cases against the seized vehicles. The drivers failed to produce valid documents authorizing the transportation of sand. This lack of proper paperwork strengthened the case for illegal activity.
Targeting Smuggling Operations Along Rushikulya River
The raids specifically aimed to disrupt sand smuggling operations along the Rushikulya river. Illegal mining activities are reportedly widespread in the Aska and Kabisurya Nagar regions. SP Subhendu Patra emphasized that these enforcement actions would continue. The police remain committed to curbing this unlawful practice.
Recent Enforcement Actions in the Region
This latest crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat illegal sand mining in Odisha. In a related incident, Gajapati district police also seized a hyva vehicle loaded with sand. The driver could not present any valid documents during the raid.
Earlier, on December 28, state steel and mines minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena took direct action. He personally seized four sand-laden trucks from Maulabhanaj under Digapahandi police station limits. The minister promptly handed over the vehicles to the police for further legal proceedings.
Furthermore, Ganjam police conducted a special drive on November 23. During that operation, they seized 25 vehicles carrying minor minerals from various locations in the district. The confiscated materials included sand and morrum, among other substances.
The consistent enforcement actions highlight the authorities' determination to address illegal mining. These efforts seek to protect natural resources and uphold the law across the region.
