Four Arrested for Illegal Stone Blasting Using Explosives Without Licence
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Berhampur, June 22, 2026: Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal stone blasting using explosive substances at Baghapahanda near Chikitigada, a police team from K. Nuagaon Police Station conducted a raid and arrested four persons involved in the unlawful activity.
K. Nuagaon Police have registered Case No. 137/2026 dated June 21, 2026, under Sections 288, 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, Section 9B(b) of the Explosives Act, 1884, and Section 51 of the Mines and Minerals (Prevention of Theft, Smuggling and Illegal Mining) Act, 1989.
According to information released by the district police headquarters, SI Goutam Sahu of Chikiti Outpost received credible information at about 11.30 a.m. on June 21 that illegal stone blasting was being carried out at Baghapahad, Chikitigada.
The accused were allegedly drilling holes in rock formations and using explosive substances and detonators without any valid licence or lawful authority.
After informing the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of K. Nuagaon Police Station, a police team rushed to the spot. While approaching the quarry site, the team heard a loud explosion accompanied by heavy vibrations, indicating that blasting had recently taken place.
On reaching the site, police found several persons attempting to flee. Three individuals were apprehended on the spot, while another was arrested later during the investigation.
The police seized:
One drilling machine mounted on a tractor bearing Registration No. AP-30-X-3588
Seven iron drilling rods
Samples of blasted stone mixed with residue of suspected explosive substances
One bundle of wire
The arrested persons have been identified as:
Ranjan Behera (50), son of Bhalu Behera, of Bauri Sahi, Chikitigada, under K. Nuagaon Police Station.
Suresh Pradhan (38), son of Kritan Pradhan, of A. Palli near Bhaliagada, under Golanthara Police Station.
Akash Bindhani (30), son of Bijay Bindhani, of Bangala Sahi, Bhaliagada.
M. Mohan Rao (57), son of M. Ramswami, of Bhaliagada, under Golanthara Police Station, who is reportedly the owner of the compressor machine used in the operation.All four accused were arrested at around 8.30 p.m. on June 21 and were
