ED Recovers Massive Cash in Odisha Illegal Mining Raids Linked to BJD Leader

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids in Odisha's Ganjam district, recovering a huge amount of cash at premises linked to BJD leader and contractor Hrushikesh Padhi, as part of an investigation into illegal mining. Cupboards filled with currency notes were discovered during the searches, which spanned around 20 locations in Ganjam, including residences of several traders in Berhampur. The probe targets alleged tax evasion, financial irregularities, and the widespread nexus of sand mafias who reportedly obtained leases using dummy names, often with political backing. The ED initiated this action based on evidence against several sand mafias involved in illegal mining and transportation, following earlier FIRs and a recent CAG report that highlighted large-scale illegal mining causing significant revenue loss in Ganjam's riverbeds. Further investigation is ongoing, and the exact source and amount of the seized cash have not been officially disclosed.