In a major crackdown on alleged illegal sand mining activities, police conducted a late-night raid on the banks of the Kuakhai river near Kalyanapur under the Mancheswar area in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

According to sources, the operation was carried out by Nandankanan Police after receiving specific information regarding unauthorised sand extraction from the riverbed.

During the raid, police teams reached the spot and began inspecting several Hyva trucks allegedly engaged in transporting illegally mined sand.

Sand Mafia Members Flee Spot

However, upon noticing the arrival of police personnel, the alleged sand mafia members abandoned their vehicles and fled from the scene.

More than 20 Hyva trucks were reportedly left behind during the operation. Police officials are now examining the seized vehicles and verifying documents related to transportation and mining activities.

Probe Underway Into Illegal Sand Smuggling Network

The incident has raised serious questions over the scale and duration of the alleged illegal sand smuggling operation in the area.

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Authorities are trying to ascertain how long the activity had been taking place and the destinations to which the sand was allegedly being transported.

Police sources said further investigation is underway to identify the persons involved in the illegal operation.

Officials are also probing whether an organised network was operating behind the alleged sand smuggling racket along the Kuakhai riverbed.