Junior Mining Officer Attacked by Sand Mafia in Balasore

Balasore: In a disturbing incident echoing growing concerns over the safety of government officials on duty, a Junior Mining Officer was brutally assaulted by suspected sand mafia operatives in Odisha’s Balasore district on Tuesday.

The victim, Tapas Kumar Behera, was attacked while conducting an inspection at Kathasagada area in Remuna block following a tip-off regarding illegal sand mining on the Budhabalanga riverbed. Accompanied by a staff member, Behera arrived at the site when a group of men allegedly affiliated with the sand mafia intercepted his vehicle, dragged him out, and assaulted him mercilessly, resulting in a serious head injury.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in critical condition. A police complaint has been filed, and an investigation is underway.

This incident comes barely a week after another alarming attack on Bhima Kanta Majhi, the Additional Tahsildar of Kaptipada in Mayurbhanj district, who was ambushed by a group allegedly led by one Alok Rout and others connected to illegal sand mining.

That attack, which occurred on June 2 right in front of Kaptipada Police Station, involved the torching of Majhi’s official vehicle and casteist abuse, sparking public outrage and raising serious concerns about the rule of law.

So far, nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the Kaptipada incident. Following that assault, the Revenue Minister issued a stern warning, promising stringent action against those targeting government officials.

The back-to-back incidents underscore the growing boldness of illegal mining gangs and the urgent need for stronger protections for officials enforcing environmental and mining regulations.