Iron Ore Scam Uncovered at Barbil Railway Siding: High-Grade Ore Tampered to Mislead Investigation
Barbil, Odisha – A major iron ore tampering scandal has surfaced at Barbil Railway Siding, exposing an alleged attempt to mislead enforcement authorities and facilitate systematic mineral smuggling. Acting on specific intelligence, a state-level enforcement squad raided Line No. 6 of the loading platform and seized a suspicious stockpile of iron ore.
According to information, the ore was stored by JP Concrete Piles Ltd., which had received prior permission from the railway authorities for pre-loading storage. The material was reportedly brought from SSAB Energy & Minerals Ltd beneficiation unit and was classified as low-grade iron ore by the mining department.
However, whistleblower reports indicated that high-grade iron ore kept near the siding was being mixed with the low-grade stock to disguise its quality during loading. In response, the enforcement squad, accompanied by the Deputy Director of Mines from Joda, collected samples for chemical analysis.
Railway Police Inspector Vijender Kumar from Dangoaposhi confirmed that the ore was located within railway jurisdiction, prompting parallel investigations by the Railway Police. Following preliminary findings, the mining department ordered an immediate halt to iron ore transportation from SSAB Energy & Minerals to JP Concrete Piles.
Despite the suspension, unauthorized unloading reportedly occurred at night, with high-grade ore being buried beneath layers of low-grade material. Eyewitnesses and officials observed this suspicious activity, raising concerns about deliberate concealment.
The Station Manager claimed that the SS Loading Agency was instructed to fill platform pits with foreign material, but the timing and nature of the unloading have triggered alarm. The Deputy Director of Mines has now ordered a complete suspension of ore transport and washing until the investigation concludes.
Local sources allege that this is not an isolated incident but part of a long-running, well-orchestrated smuggling network operating in the mineral-rich Barbil region. Public discourse has intensified following revelations that the seized ore was being prepared for illegal diversion post the Justice Sah Commission’s inquiry.
Citizens and civil society groups are demanding a high-level probe into the matter, citing the need for transparency and accountability in Odisha’s mining ecosystem.
This developing story underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and technological safeguards in mineral logistics across the region.
