Bhubaneswar, Feb. 12 -- In a major crackdown on alleged illegal sand mining, the Jagatsinghpur district administration conducted a late-night raid on Wednesday at an unauthorised sand ghat near Kulasahi under Raghunathpur police station limits.

The operation was led by the District Collector and carried out in the presence of the Superintendent of Police and the Sub-Collector, indicating a coordinated enforcement effort against unlawful extraction activities.

During the midnight operation, authorities seized two poclain machines and more than 20 sand-laden Hyva trucks reportedly engaged in illegal transportation. Nine drivers were arrested in connection with the alleged unauthorised mining and transport activities.

Officials said the v...