TV
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Odisha Vigilance Department has intensified its probe into the alleged high-profile mining scam in Sundargarh district. Now, in its second day of investigation, the 12-member SIT team is conducting extensive on-ground verification in various areas of the Koida mining circle.
According to official sources, the team, comprising senior vigilance officials, a Tehsildar, a forest range officer, police officers, and the Deputy Director of Mines (Koida), is actively inspecting suspected illegal mining sites in forested regions of Koida, including Malda, Rushibenua, Gidie, Mutukudar, Patamunda, Kalamanga, and Ganuan.
What Preliminary Findings Revealed:
On Tuesday, the team had surveyed five locations inside the protected Ganua forest area, where preliminary findings revealed shocking instances of mineral theft.
During their visits, the SIT uncovered evidence suggesting that illegal mining mafias had created artificial mining pits deep within forested zones and were secretly extracting valuable minerals like manganese and iron ore.
The SIT has reportedly discovered that over 20,000 metric tonnes of manganese ore and more than 1,200 metric tonnes of iron ore were illegally mined from defunct and non-operational mines within reserved forest areas. These illegal operations were allegedly carried out without any environmental or mining clearance, raising serious concerns about regulatory oversight and forest protection.
Initial estimates suggest that the market value of the illegally extracted minerals could exceed Rs 37 crore, making it one of the most significant mining scams in recent years in Odisha.
Involvement of Powerful Mining Mafia?
The SIT’s field inspections have revealed the depth of the operation and the extent of environmental damage caused due to unregulated mining activities. Sources indicate that powerful mining mafias may have colluded with local operatives to bypass official procedures and carry out illegal transport of high-value minerals.
The ongoing probe is expected to lead to further revelations, and the SIT is likely to summon and question officials, transporters, and suspected mining agents in the coming days.
The Vigilance Department has assured that no one found guilty will be spared and strict legal action will be initiated against all those involved in the scam. The investigation continues as the SIT combs through documents, field evidence, and testimonies to uncover the full scale of the illegal mining racket.
