Khaira: Murram is illegally being looted from government land in Khaira revenue circle in Balasore district while the administration has been sitting pretty.
The mafia has allegedly been raking in the moolah while the government loses revenue worth lakhs of rupees.
Huge pond-like craters have been created near Ratine village where some tribal people have been living by occupying land.
The mafia lured the tribals with some money and has been carrying out its illegal activities.
Truckloads of murram have been lifted from the area and are being used for Rampur canal and Kupari canal work. Villagers alleged that though the loot has been taking place in the broad daylight for the last one month, no action is being taken against the looters.
People were agitated at Gadasahi and Kanasgadia over the illegal murram lifting. They warned of an agitation if no step is taken to address their concern.
Tehsildar Pradip Kumar Sahu said Sridhar Sahu was permitted to dig murram, but he was not aware that the person has dug out murram for one month.
PNN