Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) on Sunday arrested Sanjay Paikray, kingpin of an illegal mining racket operating in Khurda Sadar area.
Preliminary investigation suggests that Paikray, a resident of Kumarbasta village under Khurda Sadar police limits, operated an illegal mining quarry on government land in Tapang area. He was the kingpin of one of the gangs operating in the area.
“The illegal operators did not pay any mining royalty to the State Government and caused financial loss to the exchequer. They used explosives for blasting rocky hills in the area without any authority,” an EOW official said.
The gang members also possessed illegal firearms which they used for terrorising locals and rival gangs.
One of the associates of Paikray, Dushasan Behera was apprehended by STF while the latter was plotting a dacoity on Friday.
During the investigation, the STF seized 10 kg ammonium nitrate powder, gelatine sticks, wires, stabilizer and explosive chemicals from the quarry run by Paikray.