Jaleswar/Balasore: Tension prevailed in the Baliapal area of Balasore district after a Revenue Inspector was allegedly attacked by members of a sand mafia during a raid against illegal sand extraction from the Subarnarekha River.
According to reports, sand mafias have been illegally extracting thousands of truckloads of sand daily from the Subarnarekha riverbed under Baliapal tehsil and smuggling it to neighbouring West Bengal. The large-scale illegal operation is reportedly causing substantial loss to state revenue. Multiple complaints regarding the alleged sand theft had earlier been lodged at the Baliapal tehsil office.
Acting on specific information, Shrirampur Revenue Inspector Sarojini Tudu conducted a raid in the Palapada area on Friday to curb the illegal activity. During the operation, she was allegedly attacked by members of the sand mafia. She sustained injuries in the assault.
Following the incident, Baliapal Tehsildar Jyotsnarani Nayak filed a written complaint at the Baliapal police station against those involved in the attack and the illegal sand extraction. Police have registered the complaint and initiated an investigation into the matter.
The incident has once again brought attention to the growing menace of illegal sand mining in the region and the risks faced by enforcement officials during crackdowns on such activities. Further investigation is underway.
