Bhubaneswar, June 5 -- Acting against Rs 72 crore dues by a mine owner, the Mayurbhanj district administration on Friday intensified actions and seized a piece of land owned by the mine operator, Basanta Das. Officials said the land was registered in Basanta's name and was seized over alleged unpaid dues that reportedly rose to Rs 72 crore.

The seizure was made by officials from the district administration, including the Tehsildar, mining authorities, and police, who carried out the joint operation.

The action renewed focus on a long-pending mining-related case that involved environmental clearance issues linked to an iron ore mining operation in Badampahar under Rairangpur subdivision.

Contrary to initial reports of a raid at the mine...