Sand mafia attacks police during vehicle seizure in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur

A tense situation unfolded at a sand quarry on the Mahanadi riverbed under Krushnanandapur police limits in Jagatsinghpur district, when cops faced an attack from sand smugglers while seizing illegally mined sand along with vehicles, official sources said on Monday.

Also Read: Sand mafia ambushes Odisha Police, release seized tractor at knifepoint

According to sources, local police had launched a drive after receiving reliable information about the unlawful sand extraction from the Mahanadi riverbed.

During the operation, police managed to seize three sand-laden tractors. It was at this point that the sand mafia allegedly pelted stones at the police and attempted to intimidate them. Following the murderous attack, the miscreants fled the scene.

Krushnanandapur police have registered two separate cases in connection with the incident and have begun a detailed investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Police officials confirmed that efforts are underway to track down the culprits.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in curbing illegal sand mining in the district, as authorities intensify operations to enforce law and order while taking strict action against the violators of environmental and mining regulations.

“We were tipped off on the 1st of January that three tractors had been taken to the Mahanadi riverbed and were engaged in lifting sand. Our staff immediately reached the spot to verify the accusations. They had parked the police vehicle on the roadside as the road was narrow. They busted three tractors and nabbed a driver,” IIC Subrat Dash said.

“After returning to the vehicle, though our driver was sitting inside, the raid team found that the front glass of the vehicle was broken by some miscreants by pelting stones. The miscreants had also verbally abused our staff, which was later reported. Two separate cases have been registered in this connection, and detailed probes are underway,” the official added.

Reported By: Manas Kanungo