The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday demanded the dismissal of Odisha’s Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to illegal sand and black stone mining in Ganjam district.

The ED carried out raids on January 16, seizing ₹2.63 crore in cash, at least 10 luxury vehicles, multiple properties, and crucial mining documents, according to an official statement.

BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty, speaking at a press conference here, alleged that one of the raided locations belonged to Sunil Patro, a representative of Minister Jena in the Gopalpur assembly constituency. He accused the minister of having indirect involvement in illegal mining operations through his associates.

The opposition party called on the state government to take immediate action, saying such incidents raise serious concerns over governance and the rule of law in Odisha’s mining sector.

The minister and his office have yet to issue a public response to the allegations. The controversy comes amid increased scrutiny of mining activities in the state following multiple reports of irregularities.