Bhubaneswar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against Bhubaneswar-based miner Ratikanta Rout in a money laundering case involving alleged proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 341 crore.
The central probe agency has accused the miner of indulging in illegal mining operations, unauthorised excavation and the illegal procurement and use of explosives.
The complaint was filed on October 16 before the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Bhubaneswar, a statement from the ED said on Monday.
This is the first supplementary prosecution complaint in the case. The main prosecution complaint was filed on July 7 this year against Rout’s wife, Laxmipriya Prusty, and other alleged accomplices.
The ED initiated the money laundering investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by the Odisha Police under the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
The probe focussed on the alleged acquisition, possession and concealment of proceeds of crime through movable and immovable properties held in Rout’s name, the names of his family members and entities associated with him.
Describing Ratikanta Rout as a history-sheeter, the agency said as many as 27 FIRs have been registered against him at various police stations across Odisha, relating to, inter alia, illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity and the supply of explosives.
It was alleged that Rout and associates generated proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 341 crore. Although he held minor mineral quarry leases in Dhenkanal, he allegedly undertook large-scale excavation beyond the permissible limits and extracted minerals from unauthorised areas.
It weas further alleged that Rout illegally procured and used explosives and was involved in the theft and adulteration of minerals. Drone and satellite surveys conducted by the Odisha Space Applications Centre (OSAC) reportedly confirmed excessive mining within the leased areas, besides unauthorised excavation at seven locations outside the lease boundaries. The areas included government land and property owned by Rout’s company, M/s Assurance Condev Pvt. Ltd.
The agency alleged that funds were laundered and transferred through interconnected bank accounts and business entities, including Maa Tarini Stone Crusher, RLR Mercantile, Sai Sambhu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (SSIPL) and Assurance Metalloyd Exim Pvt. Ltd. Individuals, including Laxmipriya Prusty, were also allegedly involved in the movement of funds.
The alleged proceeds of crime were concealed in movable and immovable assets held in Rout’s name, the names of his family members and those of businesses linked to him, ED said.
It may be noted that the central agency had earlier conducted searches at several premises linked to the case on January 8, last year.
Rout was arrested by the ED on August 20, 2026, and remanded to the agency’s custody for five days by the Special Court. His bail plea was rejected on August 26, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.
On September 7, the court granted the ED an additional four days of custody after the agency produced more evidence.
