Sand mafia arrested for attempting to attack addl tehsildar

Kendrapada: A sand mafia was arrested in Kendrapada district on Friday for allegedly abusing and attempting to attack the additional tehsildar of Rajnagar while he was conducting a raid against illegal sand excavation and transportation from a riverbed.According to reports, the incident took place at Kathapangara village when additional tehsildar Ashis Kumar Jena intercepted a sand-laden truck engaged in illegal transportation. While trying to stop the vehicle, the driver and a group of sand mafia members allegedly abused and attempted to assault the officer. However, he was rescued by local residents present at the spot.“After receiving information about the incident, we rushed to the spot and arrested one sand mafia, Kedar Swain.

The other accused fled the spot. Raids are being conducted at their hideouts to nab them,” said Naresh Kumar Sahoo, inspector in-charge of Rajnagar police station.Kendrapada collector Raghuram R. Iyer said that under the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, no person has the right to excavate sand without obtaining proper permission from the authorities. He directed the police to take stern legal action against those involved in abusing and attacking the officer.