The Department of Mines and local police faced violent resistance in a recent raid targeting illegal sand mining in Jaleswar, Balasore district.
The team, which intercepted three tractors laden with unlawfully extracted sand, encountered hostility from individuals allegedly associated with the sand mafia.
The culprits, believed to include the owners of the confiscated tractors, reclaimed the vehicles by force after a scuffle. The mining officer overseeing the operation has filed an FIR, and investigations are underway to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
This incident underscores the persistent challenges posed by unauthorised sand extraction in the region. Local authorities have called for stronger security measures and legal frameworks to address the influence of illegal sand mafias and protect natural resources.
