By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR/BERHAMPUR:The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted on unauthorized excavation and sale of minor minerals, including sand and black stone, primarily in the Ganjam district.Raids were conducted on houses and business establishments of BJD leader Hrushikesh Padhi.
The searches were being carried out at properties of “mafias” and their business partners under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said.
An almirah full of cash, over Rs 2 crore in value, high-end vehicles and documents of immovable properties have been recovered so far, they said.
The ED referenced a recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), which highlighted extensive illegal mining activities along the riverbeds of Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Bada Rivers in Ganjam. The CAG’s findings pointed to a significant loss to the government exchequer due to these illegal operations.
During the raids, the ED recovered substantial assets, including an almirah filled with liquid cash worth several crores, high-end benami vehicles, and critical documents related to properties, agreements, and mining leases. The authorities confirmed that these assets would be seized as part of their ongoing investigation.
“The search operation is still underway. The exact figure of the cash seized and other details will be disclosed after completion of the operation,” an official said.
