ED Expands Illegal Mining Probe With Raids Across Odisha, MP and Maharashtra

Overview

• The ED searched more than 20 sites in Odisha’s Ganjam district in a minor‑minerals case, with operations still underway, officials said.
• Officials reported recovery of an almirah of cash estimated above Rs 2 crore, high‑end vehicles, and documents for immovable properties during the Odisha action.
• In parallel, 16 premises across Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Betul, Nagpur, and Bhandara were raided, yielding Rs 38.43 lakh in cash, frozen bank balances of Rs 1.34 crore, eight vehicles, and heavy machinery.
• The agency alleges a syndicate used forged Electronic Transit Permits sold for Rs 6,000–10,000 to mask illegal sand extraction near Nagpur as lawful consignments from Madhya Pradesh.
• GPS logs, police cases from Nagpur, and ED analysis point to proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 30 crore and identify individuals including Narendra Pimple, Amol alias Guddu Khorgade, and alleged leaders Rahul Khanna and Bablu Agarwal.