Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police conducted a major raid on illegal sand mining and seized at least 30 vehicles engaged in unauthorised lifting at Kalyanpur riverbed in Bhubaneswar on Friday and Thursday.
Drivers of several vehicles fled the riverbed site under Nandankanan Model police limits, after spotting the armed police personnel approaching the spot.
Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh issued a stern warning to sand mining mafia reiterating the zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mineral mining.
“Those involved in illegal mining are often part of larger criminal network, engaged in multiple offences. We have noticed a pattern that illicit money accumulated through illegal mining is used to fund criminal activities, which directly impact the law and order situation in that area. We will continue to crackdown on illegal mining,” the Police Commissioner told media.
He also warned sand mafia to not obstruct raids and attempt to attack police personnel. Those who attack police will be punished severely. “Only those will valid licences will be allowed to mine in the permitted areas,” he added.