Balasore: In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, police in three districts of Odisha’s Eastern Range arrested 73 persons and seized 117 vehicles.
“In the eastern zone, which includes Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak, a special drive was carried out from March 7 to 10, 2025, under the orders of the DGP,” said Dr. Satyajit Naik, DIG Eastern Range of Balasore.
“During the operation, 62 cases were registered, 73 people were arrested, and 117 vehicles were seized,” he added.
He further stated that in 2024, a total of 674 cases were registered, 536 people were arrested, and 773 notices were served.
Dr. Naik also mentioned that in 2025, up until January, 258 cases were registered, nearly 400 people were arrested, and 372 vehicles were seized in cases of illegal sand mining from various districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak.