In a major crackdown on illegal mining and sand smuggling, the administration in Sora block, Balasore district, seized 15 trucks loaded with illicit materials overnight.
The joint operation was carried out by the Soor police, Tahsildar, and the Mining Department. Ten trucks loaded with stones were initially seized by the Balasore Mining Department near Bidu following a raid against stone smuggling from Bagudi.
Subsequently, Soor Tehsildar Daitari Malik intercepted another five trucks—two loaded with stones and five with sand—on the national highway near Ruso Chack. Primary reports suggest the illegally smuggled sand was lifted from the Baitarani river near Anandpur.
The seizure highlights ongoing efforts to curb the mafia's activities, coming shortly after a similar major crackdown in Jagatsinghpur district where over 60 sand-laden trucks were seized.