The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has ramped up its investigation into illegal sand extraction and trading activities in Ganjam district. Former Youth Congress leader and alleged sand mafia Biswajit Patra is currently undergoing intense questioning by ED officials, which began this morning. The probe gained significant momentum following ED raids conducted across various locations in Ganjam on January 16.
During the raid at Patra’s residence in Berhampur, crucial documents were reportedly seized, providing key leads in the case. Allegations suggest that the illegal sand trade, ongoing for years in the Rushikulya river basin, has resulted in the looting of crores of rupees. Two weeks prior, the ED targeted multiple sand mafia operations, seizing ₹2.63 crore in cash. Among the accused are Kripasindhu Muduli, Sachin Padhi, and Hrushikesh Padhi.
Patra’s name has been linked to this syndicate, leading to his interrogation on Friday. Based on documents and evidence recovered during the raids, the ED is summoning suspects one by one. Patra appeared at the ED office this morning and is being grilled on financial transactions related to the sand business, his connections with other syndicate members, and other vital details.
ED officials indicated that additional mafias could be summoned soon after Patra’s questioning. This development has sparked fresh discussions across the state about the rampant operations of sand mafias. Illegal sand mining has not only posed environmental threats to rivers but also caused substantial revenue losses to the government. The public has largely welcomed the ED’s actions. As the investigation progresses, speculation is rife that more prominent names may surface.
