In a major late-night enforcement drive, the police and district administration carried out a coordinated midnight operation targeting illegal sand mining activities at various sand ghats in Odisha‘s Bolangir district, officials said on Saturday.

The raid was jointly led by Bolangir District Collector Gaurav Shivaji Isalwar and Superintendent of Police Abhilash G, who personally oversaw the crackdown at multiple locations suspected of illegal sand extraction and transportation.

During the operation, authorities seized nine Hyva dump trucks and two JCB excavators that were allegedly being used for illegal sand mining and transportation. Several drivers involved in the operations were also detained by the police.

According to officials, the action was part of an intensified drive against the sand mafia, which has been accused of large-scale illegal extraction and smuggling of river sand from different parts of the district.

Police sources confirmed that further raids are underway and efforts are continuing to identify and arrest individuals involved in the illegal sand trade network.

The midnight operation has sent shockwaves among sand mining operators and alleged mafia groups, with authorities signaling stricter enforcement and zero tolerance against illegal mining activities in the region.

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Officials have reiterated that such operations will continue in the coming days to curb unauthorized sand extraction and protect natural resources in the district.