Two mining officials face suspension as Odisha steps up action against illegal sand mining

The Odisha government has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand transportation by ordering the suspension of two mining officials over alleged lapses and irregularities linked to sand theft in the state.

Odisha Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena directed the Mining Department to suspend Jajpur District Deputy Director of Mines (DDM) Jay Prakash Nayak and Jagatsinghpur District Mining Officer Satish Kumar Tarai from service. The decision comes amid growing concerns over illegal sand mining and the role of officials entrusted with monitoring and enforcement.

The state government reiterated that action against sand theft will continue and warned that more officials could face similar disciplinary measures as scrutiny widens.

FIR Against Jagatsinghpur Mining Officer

In a related development, an FIR was earlier registered against Jagatsinghpur District Mining Officer Satish Kumar Tarai over alleged irregularities and suspected links with the sand mafia.

The case was registered on December 13 at Jagatsinghpur Sadar police station following directions from the District Collector. According to official sources, the FIR was lodged by Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector Prasanta Kumar Tarai as part of administrative action initiated after concerns were raised regarding the officer’s conduct.

The allegations reportedly include involvement in multiple irregularities and alleged association with individuals engaged in illegal sand mining activities in the district.

Wider Action Indicated

Officials said the state government is preparing to take action against other officers if investigations reveal further lapses or misconduct. The move underlines the government’s firm stance against illegal sand mining, which has been flagged as a major issue impacting river ecology and public resources.

Earlier, mining officers in Aska and Kendrapara were also suspended as part of similar action, pointing to a broader enforcement drive across multiple districts in Odisha.