ED seizes Rs 2.5 crore cash during raids on BJD leader and sand mafia network in Ganjam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday seized around Rs 2.5 crore in cash during raids on sand mafia operations in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The money was found packed inside huge almirahs, with Rs 500 currency notes in every bundle .

The raids were conducted at the residence of BJD leader Hrushikesh Padhi and at several other locations linked to influential sand and liquor mafia operators in the district. ED teams carried out searches at nearly 25 different locations, targeting key figures involved in illegal sand mining and financial irregularities.

The operation has exposed the deep-rooted illegal empire built by sand mafias, who allegedly controlled unlawful transactions for years by exploiting rivers such as Rushikulya, Bahuda and Bada Nadi, causing huge revenue losses to the state government.

Sources revealed that the ED action followed findings mentioned in a recent CAG report. During the raids, officials also gathered major evidence related to illegal liquor trade. It was found that sand mafias were operating illegal country liquor units in Ganjam.

Fake Y-forms, illegal sand transport, and auction manipulation also came to light. BJD leader Krupasindhu Muduli has been identified as the alleged mastermind of the syndicate.

Also Read: Man kills best friend for Rs 60,000 after being hired by victim’s elder brother

After searches at 25 locations across the state, ED seized several important documents, property papers worth crores, and multiple luxury vehicles. Investigations are still underway.