Another stone mining mafia kingpin held in Khurda

Khurda: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch detained a kingpin of stone mining mafia from Bolagarh area late last night. Later, the accused, Nitu Mansingh, was handed over to Khurda police for further investigation.

Acting on a tip-off, the STF intercepted a vehicle in Bolagarh area and caught hold of Mansingh against whom several criminal cases are pending. Reportedly, Mansingh is wanted in two firing and bombing cases whereas he had got anticipatory bail in some other cases. Despite his criminal activities in Khurda area, the local police had failed to nab him.

A few days back, the STF had carried out an encounter in Khurda during which mining mafia leader Sanjay Pradhan and two of his associates managed to escape.

However, the driver of the car used by Pradhan was nabbed by the sleuths from the spot. Sources said the STF might have got information about Mansingh after quizzing the car driver.

Earlier, another mining mafia Sanjay Paikray was nabbed by the STF from Tapang area of Khurda district last month.

It is suspected that more than one group is involved in illegal stone mining. To establish their influence in Khurda district, these mining mafias often engage in group fights and are also involved in illegal arm deals, reports suggest.