Barbil, Keonjhar(Orissa Today) Mar 29 : In a significant operation against illegal iron ore trading, Barbil Police successfully apprehended six accused individuals linked to a syndicate operating across Keonjhar district. The case unfolded on March 19, 2025, when a police patrolling unit received information about a truck (Regd. No: OD 09 G 7564) transporting illegal iron ore from Raika village towards Soyabali.
The accused attempted to obstruct the police by placing stones across the road, delaying the patrolling team’s efforts. Undeterred, the team managed to clear the road and reached the site near Jateswar Temple Chowk, where the truck was found abandoned. Despite extensive searches of the nearby forest area, the culprits had fled, leaving the truck and its illegal load, which were promptly seized.
Police raids were conducted across various locations following the incident. On March 21, 2025, three accused—Santosh Munda (30), Narendra Mahakud (22), and Bishu Barik (28)—were arrested and forwarded for legal proceedings. Subsequent investigations unveiled the involvement of two more suspects, Kanda Lohar (31) and Samanta Sekhar Mahanta (40), who were arrested on March 28, 2025.
Seized items included two mobile phones linked to the accused: a Vivo mobile phone with SIM from Kanda Lohar and a Redmi mobile phone with SIM from Samanta Sekhar Mahanta.
Authorities suspect that this illegal operation involves a larger syndicate consisting of over ten individuals engaged in such trade across Keonjhar district. Efforts to apprehend all masterminds connected to the case are underway.
The Barbil Police remain committed to eradicating illegal activities and ensuring justice for the region.
