Illegal Stone Quarrying: Khordha Sadar Police Station IIC, Tehsildar appear before STF

Bhubaneswar: Khordha Tehsildar Subhendra Samal and Sadar police Station IIC Bikram Jena appeared before the Crime Branch STF today in connection to a case alleging their connection with stone mining mafias in the district.

The appearances were made in response to a notice served to the duo earlier by STF, post surfacing of allegations against a few officials. Jena’s name was even dropped from the list of cops who had been nominated for the police medal for Meritorious Service this year over the issue.

I shall cooperate in the investigation process. I have not shown any favour to the perpetrators of illegal stone mining and taken action against them whenever needed, claimed Jena in his reaction to media after his appearance before the STF.

Notably, over 30 people have been taken into custody in Khordha in past three months in connection with their involvement in illegal stone quarrying activities which points at collusion between mining mafia, corrupt government officials and politicians.

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