The ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal Office had carried out an extensive search operation under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at more than 25 premises across Ganjam district linked to individuals involved in illegal sand and black stone mining, as well as contractors and proprietors associated with country liquor (Bhati) operations.
| Photo Credit: ANI
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday (January 19, 2026) demanded State Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena’s resignation, citing ED raids at his designated representative’s premises over his involvement in illegal and unauthorised excavation and sale of minor minerals in Ganjam district.
BJD leader Lenin Mohanty, in a press conference, said the recent ED raids in Ganjam clearly established the Mines Minister Jena’s own representative’s involvement in sand theft, thereby exposing his role in the matter.
“In a formal letter addressed to the Ganjam district collector, the Mines Minister had authorised Sunil Patra as his representative in the mining, police and court departments. After Sunil Patra’s involvement in illegal sand mining was exposed during the ED raid, the Minister’s direct association with the illegal activity became evident,” Mr. Mohanty claimed.
Incidents of sand and mineral theft had risen sharply in Odisha since the BJP came to power, Mr. Mohanty added. “The BJD has consistently pointed out that such theft is taking place with the active encouragement of the ruling party,” he said.
Citing official figures, the BJD said revenue from minor minerals had fallen steeply from ₹1,485 crore in 2023–24 to ₹600 crore in 2024–25. Similarly, revenue from major minerals declined from ₹50,000 crore to ₹34,000 crore during the same period.
“This revenue loss is extremely unfortunate for the State. Rampant sand and mineral theft has also led to a sharp increase in the prices of key construction materials,” the party said.
Despite repeated representations and demands for strict action, the government had remained inactive and indifferent, Mr. Mohanty added. The regional party reiterated its demand for Mr. Jena’s immediate removal from the Council of Ministers.
The ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal Office had carried out an extensive search operation under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at more than 25 premises across Ganjam district linked to individuals involved in illegal sand and black stone mining, as well as contractors and proprietors associated with country liquor (Bhati) operations.
“During the search, cash amounting to ₹2.63 crore along with several incriminating documents, substantial property records, and agreements including power agreements and mining leases executed by the individuals in question were found and seized. Several high end benami vehicles were unearthed in the search action which were obtained through the proceeds of crime,” the agency said in a statement.
As per the ED, the premises covered were linked to brokers, syndicates having serious criminal antecedents and other connected business partners of them. “Persons who, by using their muscle powers forcibly conducting illegal mining and sale of minor minerals by exploiting and terrorising people in their areas were also raided,” it said.
The Comptroller and Auditor General had also flagged rampant illegal mining along the river bed of Rushikulya, Bahuda, and Bada River in Ganjam district causing huge loss to government exchequer.
The modus operandi indicated that mining leases were obtained under the names of various leaseholders unlawfully and forcibly by syndicate associates by offering a commission at a predetermined rate, said ED.
“Mining licenses that are issued in the names of other leaseholders are not transferable and prohibited under law. This unauthorized usage of licenses which are in the name of the other lease holders, allow members of the syndicate to extract more sand or blackstone than permitted by government regulations,” it elaborated.
Published – January 20, 2026 01:31 am IST
