Crime Branch raids illegal stone crusher units in Khurda

Khurda: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch on Tuesday conducted simultaneous raids at more than 100 illegal stone crusher units in several places in Khurda and sealed at least 15 abandoned units.

In a massive operation against illegal stone mining, 10 teams of the STF today conducted raids on 120 stone crusher units at Sania, Jodaamba, Badasaunli, Kalinga, Sankhari, Kaluchua and Hanumantia hills in Khurda area.

During the raids, the STF found that 60 per cent of the crushers are running illegally, while, rest 40 per cent units, having government licenses failed to produce proper papers including stock documents and books of accounts.

"During verification, some crusher units failed to produce books of accounts and stock details. Irregularities were also found during verification and action will be taken against the owners of these units if their involvement in illegal stone quarrying is proven," said STF SP Rahul PR.

"The crusher unit owners have been issued notices and their complicity will be examined, if these crusher units are found using boulders sourced from illegal quarrying," Rahul added.

This apart, the STF is also enquiring into the involvement of stone mining mafias following allegations that stone mining rackets are operating the crusher units in Khurda area.