Dhenkanal: In a massive crackdown on illegal mining, police in Dhenkanal district seized several vehicles and arrested several persons in separate incidents.
Three drivers were arrested and will be produced in court. The raids were conducted under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police (SP) and involved all Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) officers of the Sadar sub-division. The operation aimed to curb the illegal transportation and storage of mines and minerals without proper authorization.
In a separate operation on March 8, 2025, five cases were registered in the Hindol sub-division. Six accused persons were arrested, namely Muna Dehury, 32, of Kalinga, Aarta Mahanta, 34, of Sapua, Hemanta Kumar Patra, 52, of Sanamunda, Chikun Mohapatra, 25, of Redhakhol in Sambalpur; Subrat Sahu, 24, of Luhamunda Uparasahi in Angul, and Bhikari Pradhan, 22, of Odakopa of Dhenkanal. The accused were produced before the court of SDJM, Hindol.
The police also seized several vehicles, including a Hywa and a tipper, loaded with illegal sand. Three cases were registered against the erring vehicles, and investigations are underway.
In another incident, police conducted simultaneous raids on the evening of March 7, targeting the illegal transportation of sand and stone in the district. During the raids, two heavy vehicles were seized. The trucks were loaded with illegal sand at Kamakhyanagar Police Station. Additionally, a tractor without a valid registration number was seized at Tumusinga Police Station.
Three cases have been registered against the erring vehicles, and investigations are underway. Kamakhyanagar Police Station registered two cases, and Tumusinga Police Station registered one case.
