In a major crackdown on illegal mineral operations, the Odisha Forest Department raided an unauthorised manganese processing unit near Kashia village under the Barbil Range in Keonjhar district. The unit, allegedly run by Nirmal Nayak of Joda, was operating without proper permits and had stockpiled 100 tonnes of processed manganese. Forest officials seized heavy machinery, tools, and vehicles used for processing and transporting the mineral. Two accused, Nirmal Nayak and MD Rafiq of Roida, were arrested during the operation. The seized manganese is valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh, and authorities are investigating a possible wider network behind the illegal trade.
