District Collector Bibhuti Bhushan Nayak led a midnight raid on the Kaleshwar sand ghat in Boudh, exposing large-scale illegal sand transportation.
The Collector, accompanied by mining officials and police teams, conducted a surprise inspection late at night. During the raid, authorities seized one JCB machine and a Hywa truck used for illegal sand lifting.
Eyewitnesses reported that the sand mafia fled the site upon spotting the Collector’s vehicle. Their sudden escape raised suspicion, prompting the enforcement team to intensify checks inside the Mahanadi Kaleshwar sand ghat.
Investigators discovered that sand was being lifted far beyond the permitted lease area. Hundreds of truckloads were allegedly transported outside the district illegally. Officials confirmed that the seized vehicles were part of this racket.
Collector Nayak warned that strict action will follow and assured that sand mafias will not be spared. The raid highlights the administration’s determination to curb illegal mining activities that damage river ecosystems and deprive the state of revenue.
The enforcement team continues its probe, and further legal steps are expected against those involved in the illegal sand trade.
