Khordha: In a major crackdown on illegal mining operation in Odisha, the special task force (STF) of state police today arrested a kingpin for operating illegal mining quarry in government land in Tapang area.

The accused is identified as Sanjay Paikray of Kumarbasta village under Khordha Sadar police limits.

"Sanjay is the kingpin of one of the gangs operating in the area," said the STF in a release after arrest.

The mining mafia gang is accused of blasting out boulders in rocky hills and hillocks in Tapang area without paying any royalty to the government causing serious financial loss to the exchequer.

For this purpose, they procure illegal arms and ammunition and provide to their gang members to terrorise locals, government officials and rival gangs, the release stated.

The gang members were also acquiring explosive substances illegally for blasting in the mining sites.

The STF seized 10 kg ammonium nitrate powder, some gelatin stick, wire, stabilizer of explosive chemicals from quarry illegally run by Sanjay.

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A case has been registered against him and 20 others under various sections 379, 411, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120(b), 34 of IPC, r/w 25, 27 Arms Act, r/w 3, 4, 5 Explosive Substance Act and section 12 of Odisha Mineral Prevention of theft, smuggling and others (Unlawful Activities Act), 1988.

He will be forwarded to the Khordha SDJM court today.

Sanjay was nabbed just two days after the STF apprehended one of his associates identified as Dushasan Behera alias Sana foiling his dacoity bid on Friday.