Bhubaneswar: Officers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out search operations at more than 20 locations across Ganjam district in connection with an ongoing investigation into the illegal mining of minor minerals, including sand and black stone, official sources said.
The searches are being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at premises linked to alleged mining mafias and their business associates. The action follows inputs suggesting large-scale illegal extraction and trade of minor minerals in several parts of the district.
According to sources, investigators have so far recovered an almirah filled with cash amounting to over Rs 2 crore, along with high-end vehicles and documents related to immovable properties. However, officials said the exact amount of cash seized and the full extent of recoveries will be disclosed only after the completion of the search operations.
Sources further alleged that gangsters and influential individuals used muscle power to forcibly carry out illegal mining activities in various areas of Ganjam district, exploiting and terrorising local residents in the process.
The search operation was still underway at the time of filing this report, and further details are expected once the raids conclude.
