A junior mining officer in Koraput, Odisha, has alleged that he was the target of an assassination plot orchestrated by members of a local sand mafia. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, when the officer claimed he was attacked while inspecting illegal sand mining operations in the area.

The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, lodged a complaint with local authorities stating that he was assaulted by individuals connected to the illegal sand mining trade. “I felt my life was in danger, and I had to escape to avoid serious harm,” he stated in his report.

Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations and are collecting evidence to identify the suspects involved in the attack. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the claims and have vowed to take appropriate action against illegal mining activities in the region.

Illegal sand mining has been a persistent issue in Odisha, with various reports highlighting its impact on the environment and local communities. The state government has previously issued warnings against such activities and has implemented measures to combat the problem.

The rising conflict between officials and organized crime in the sand mining sector reflects broader challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order and safety in resource-rich areas.

Source: news source