Keonjhar police launch campaign against organised sand mafia, arrest 9

Keonjhar: A coordinated campaign against organised sand mafia in the district, named ‘Operation Baitarani', was launched on Monday, based on confidential information regarding illegal sand mining, transportation and use of fake transit passes, Keonjhar superintendent of police Nitin Kushalkar said while addressing a press conference.As part of this campaign, simultaneous raids were conducted at 12 locations in Anandpur, Ghasipura, Nandipada and Ghatgaon police station areas in the morning, when police arrested nine people and detained two.They also seized over Rs 27 lakh in cash, fake transit passes, duplicate bank accounts, financial transaction details, over 30 vehicles suspected of being used in illegal sand transport, and several pieces of criminal paraphernalia, all suspected to be proceeds from illegal sand smuggling.Financial analysis of the money and property, and verification of documents seized are underway, besides the interrogation of those detained, police said.All disproportionate assets, including the proceeds of crime, will be confiscated, and legal action will be initiated as per the law, said the SP.