Bhubaneswar, Oct. 29 -- In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, the Steel & Mines Department conducted a raid on Wednesday at Dimiria Baitarani River ghat under Nandipada police limits in Keonjhar district. During the operation, officials seized three Poclain excavator machines and two Hyva trucks loaded with the minor mineral.

According to official sources, more than twelve other Hyva trucks were found parked near the riverbank, suspected of being involved in illegal sand transportation. The Department is verifying ownership details and investigating the scale of illegal extraction.

Reports suggest that excessive sand mining at the Dimiria ghat has resulted in crores of rupees in pending dues to the Revenue Department. Officials s...