Mining officer attacked in Odisha for conducting raid on illegal stone and sand smuggling

A mining officer at the office of the Deputy Director of Mines was allegedly attacked for launching a crackdown on illegal stone and sand smuggling in Koraput district on Wednesday.

According to sources, the mining officer and other staff detained seven vehicles including six hyva trucks and one tractor engaged in the transportation of stone and sand with valid documents.

Fumed over the officer’s action, owners of the detained vehicles rushed to the mining office and assaulted the officer in the wee hours of Wednesday.

“I was attacked for detaining seven vehicles- 6 hyva trucks and a tractor engaged in illegal sand smuggling. I have sustained injuries on my face in the attack. I have lodged a written complaint in this regard,” said Pitambar Mohanta, assistant mining officer, Koraput.

On being informed about the incident, Town Police visited the spot and launched an investigation into the matter after bringing the seized vehicles to Railway Police Ground.

Meanwhile, the mining officers and other staff have lodged a written complaint at Town Police Station and the police are said to have detained the owners of the seized vehicles.