Over 6 quintals of explosives seized in Odisha’s Kalahandi; four detained

In a significant crackdown, police in Odisha's Kalahandi district seized more than six quintals of explosives and 115 detonators from a stone crusher unit in Jamchua locality under Jayapatna police limits, official sources said on Thursday.

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Four persons have been detained in this connection, and interrogation is underway.

According to the official sources, Kalahandi district police have seized approximately 6.5 quintals of explosive materials and 115 detonators during a routine inspection in Jamchua. The seizure took place following intelligence inputs regarding illegal explosives being transported to another stone crusher unit in Lakhabahali in the district.

Illegal consignment from Kantabanji

The consignment was being illegally supplied by a private company named M/s Kalinga & Co., allegedly based in Kantabanji. The explosives were being carried in a truck and a pickup van, both of which were found to be carrying quantities beyond the permitted limit.

Following the seizure, the local Steel & Mines Department lodged a formal complaint at Jayapatna Police Station in this connection. A preliminary investigation indicates that the explosives were being transported without proper authorisation, posing serious safety and legal concerns.

Both the mining officials and Jayapatna police have initiated a detailed probe to trace the full extent of the network involved and determine the intended use of the explosives.

Authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against those responsible, and further legal steps will be pursued based on the outcome of the ongoing probe.

“Two vehicles had an excess amount of explosives than permitted. Blasting is said to be the purpose behind transportation,” Junior Mining Officer Prashant Gargi stated.

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“Acting on a directive of the SP, we, along with mining official,s conducted a raid leading to the seizure of two vehicles yesterday and have detained four persons,” Jayapatna PS in-charge Mamata Hembram said to OTV.