Stone & Sand Mafia Face Heat: Raids Net 15 Trucks in Balasore
Soro/Balasore, Nov 30: In a major crackdown on illegal mineral transportation, the Soro Tehsil administration and Balasore Mining Department carried out separate raids late Saturday night, seizing a total of 15 trucks loaded with stone and sand.
Acting on intelligence about stone smuggling from Bagudi, the Mining Department intercepted eight stone-laden trucks near Bidu and handed them over to the police.
Meanwhile, Soro Tehsildar Daitari Mallik led another operation near Rusoo Chhak and along the National Highway, seizing two stone dumpers and five sand-laden vehicles.
Officials confirmed that the seized trucks were operating without valid permits. The raids created panic among transport mafias, with several vehicles reportedly diverting routes to evade capture.
This follows a joint operation on November 27, when three sand trucks were seized, and over 25 vehicles fled upon learning of the crackdown.
Junior Mining Officer Jagannath Das assisted in the latest raids, ensuring the vehicles were handed over to the Soro police for further legal action.
Authorities say the intensified raids are part of a larger effort to curb illegal mining and transport in the region, sending a strong message to offenders.
