Balasore: A woman Revenue Inspector (RI) was allegedly attacked by sand mafia during a raid mounted against illegal sand extraction in Odisha’s Balasore.
Sources said the incident took place in Baliapal area after RI of Srirampur Sarojini Tudu received an information regarding unlawful sand lifting at Palpada on the Subarnarekha river banks and swung into action. The RI reached the site to stop the illegal activity when she was allegedly assaulted during the raid.
Officials said sand mafia groups frequently extract sand unlawfully from nearby areas, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement drives in recent days to check illegal transportation.
Following the incident, Baliapal Tehsildar Jyotsnarani Nayak visited the site and subsequently lodged a written complaint at Baliapal police station seeking action against those involved. Based on the complaint, police initiated an investigation. Some people were detained for questioning.
Local villagers reportedly informed officials about the illegal sand operations, alleging that a portion of an irrigation dam was cut open to gain access to the area for sand extraction.
