TNI Bureau: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at over 25 locations across Ganjam district under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. More than 175 officials from six states targeted illegal sand and black stone mining syndicates and country liquor (Bhati) operators.

The investigation, based on multiple FIRs and CAG findings, revealed rampant riverbed mining using forged transit permits, coercive takeover of mining leases, and large-scale cash transactions. Illegally mined minerals were sold in the grey market, causing major revenue losses.

The searches led to the seizure of ₹2.63 crore in cash, incriminating documents, property records, and benami vehicles linked to proceeds of crime.