In a shocking incident highlighting the growing audacity of illegal sand operators, members of an alleged sand mafia attacked a police team during a raid at Mrudanga village under Bhuban Police Station limits in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Tuesday.

According to reports, Bhuban Police Station IIC Renubala Sahu and her team had conducted a raid after receiving information about the illegal transportation and smuggling of sand in the area. During the operation, the police attempted to intercept a tractor allegedly involved in the illegal sand trade.

However, the situation soon turned violent as several accused persons allegedly attacked the police team and resorted to heavy stone pelting. In the chaos, the miscreants reportedly snatched away the seized sand-laden tractor from police custody and fled the spot.

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Sources said that IIC Renubala Sahu and her team members faced physical assault during the attack. It has been alleged that the officer’s hand was twisted by the accused during the scuffle, causing injuries and creating a tense situation at the spot.

Following the incident, police launched an investigation and detained the alleged mastermind, Bharat Das, along with vehicle owner Debashish Das for questioning. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the attack and illegal sand transportation racket.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the increasing influence and aggression of sand mafias operating in the region.