Bhubaneswar, March 24 -- An Additional Tehsildar and his driver were allegedly attacked by sand mafia in Odisha's Balasore district on Monday after intercepting an illegal sand-laden vehicle, prompting police to initiate an investigation and detain suspects.

The incident occurred while the Additional Tehsildar was returning from Tentei. At Ainri Chhak road in Soro, he intercepted a sand-laden truck and began checking its documents. During the verification process, the driver and his associates allegedly opposed the action and attacked the officer before fleeing from the spot.

The truck driver and helper reportedly fled, leaving behind the vehicle and its keys. The Additional Tehsildar then directed that the vehicle be taken to the polic...