Bhubaneswar, April 19 -- Authorities launched a major crackdown against illegal sand mining in Ganjam on Saturday night, seizing at least 13 tractors and initiating legal action against vehicle owners, officials said.

The raid was conducted by the Purushottampur mining department near Mahachhai village under Kabisuryanagar police limits, following reports of illegal sand extraction from the Rushikulya River. Acting on the tip-off, officials carried out a surprise operation at the riverbank where sand was being loaded onto multiple tractors.

On spotting the enforcement team, those involved in the illegal activity fled the spot, leaving behind the vehicles. Authorities subsequently seized all 13 tractors found at the site.

The operation ...