A junior mining officer in Balasore district was allegedly threatened by a group involved in illegal stone mining, who then forcibly took away three seized trucks from official custody on Friday. The incident, reported from Dandaharipur village under Bahanaga block, has raised concerns over the growing boldness of stone-mining rackets in the region.

According to reports, Soro Junior Mining Officer Jagannath Das had visited the spot after receiving information about three trucks transporting illegally mined stone. Upon arrival, he was confronted by a group comprising local youths, truck owners and members linked to the stone mafia. The group reportedly created a commotion and issued verbal threats to Das and other accompanying mining department staff.

Miscreants Issue Threats

Officials said the miscreants also threatened to torch the department’s vehicle, further heightening tensions. Amid the chaos, they allegedly freed the three stone-laden trucks that had been seized by the mining team.

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Following the incident, the mining department lodged a formal complaint at the Soro police station. Police have since launched an investigation to identify those involved in the intimidation and the unlawful retrieval of the seized trucks.