Sand Mafia Assaults Revenue Officer in Balasore, Two Detained

Bhubaneswar: An Additional Tehsildar and his driver were allegedly assaulted by members of a sand mafia group in Odisha’s Balasore district late on Monday night after attempting to intercept an illegally sand-laden truck.

The incident took place on Ainri Chhak Road in Soro when the officer was returning from Tentei. During routine checking, the Additional Tehsildar stopped a truck suspected of transporting sand illegally and asked the driver to produce relevant documents.

According to reports, the truck driver, along with a few associates, resisted the verification and allegedly attacked the officer before fleeing the scene. Though the vehicle and its keys were initially left behind, the accused reportedly returned shortly after, snatched the keys, blocked the road, and created panic among local residents.

In the ensuing confrontation, both the Additional Tehsildar and his driver were physically assaulted.

Following the incident, a formal complaint was lodged at the Anantapur police outpost against three individuals. Police personnel rushed to the spot, seized the truck, and registered a case. Two suspects have been detained for questioning, while further investigation is underway.