illegal auction

Nayagarh district administration launched a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, detaining 14 men and seizing 11 vehicles. This action follows a brutal murder linked to mining mafia violence. Raids targeted illegal mining and sand transportation, with officials vowing continued enforcement against the menace that has fueled local unrest.

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Odisha's Law Commission proposes a strict dress code for the Jagannath Temple, mandating traditional attire for priests and specific outfits for devotees, including a ban on women wearing shirts and jeans. The recommendations, currently under government review, also suggest harsher penalties for temple property encroachment and misconduct by servitors.

In Bihar, the tough stance on liquor prohibition finds itself in a relentless struggle with liquor smuggling. This has triggered a substantial crackdown with authorities reporting over 9,36,000 cases and the confiscation of vast quantities of illegal spirits

An assembly committee has identified rampant illegal mining, land encroachment, and irregularities in mineral quality certification, leading to significant revenue loss and environmental damage. The panel recommends a comprehensive action plan to tighten monitoring, penalize offenders, and improve data management for mineral extraction and dispatch across the state.

Illegal sand mining is rampant along the Saberi riverbed in Koraput, with tipper trucks operating openly. Activists allege a nexus between sand mafias and officials, with seized sand being regularized through spot auctions, bypassing regulations. Environmental experts warn of severe ecological damage due to unchecked extraction.