The Enforcement Directorate (ED) intensified its crackdown on the alleged sand mafia network in Ganjam district, summoning several accused, including former Youth Congress leader Biswajit Patra.
Patra appeared before the ED’s Bhubaneswar office on Thursday for questioning in connection with the ongoing money-laundering investigation. Earlier, the agency raided his Berhampur residence, seizing documents and evidence linked to the case.
On January 16, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at more than six residences of suspected sand mafia members across Ganjam. These operations aimed to trace financial links and uncover the money trail associated with illegal sand mining activities.
Officials stated that the investigation focuses on how proceeds from sand mining were laundered through shell companies and benami transactions. The agency suspects that the network has expanded its influence across multiple districts, using political connections and local operatives to sustain operations.
The ED’s probe has drawn significant attention, as illegal sand mining remains a pressing issue in Odisha, impacting both the environment and local governance. By targeting financial flows, the agency seeks to dismantle the economic backbone of the mafia and hold those involved accountable.
With Patra’s questioning, investigators expect to gather crucial information about the network’s operations and its links to political figures.
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