Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhubaneswar Zonal Office, has filed a supplementary prosecution complaint against Ratnakanta Rout before the Special Court (PMLA) in Bhubaneswar in connection with an alleged illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity and supply of explosives case.

According to an ED press release dated October 19, 2026, the complaint was filed on October 16, 2026. The main prosecution complaint in the case had earlier been filed on July 7, 2026, against Laxmipriya Prusty, wife of Ratnakanta Rout, and others.

ED Alleges Proceeds of Crime Exceeded ₹341 Crore

The ED stated that its investigation revealed that Ratnakanta Rout and entities associated with him allegedly generated and acquired proceeds of crime estimated at more than ₹341 crore.

According to the agency, the alleged activities included illegal mining, unauthorised procurement and use of explosives, and theft or adulteration of minerals.

The agency further alleged that Rout held minor mineral quarry leases in Dhenkanal district but carried out excavation beyond the permitted limits, extracting minerals from unauthorised areas.

Drone and satellite surveys conducted by the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC), according to the ED, revealed alleged excessive excavation beyond lease boundaries and illegal extraction across seven panchayat sites, including government land and land owned by a company associated with Rout.

Arrested in August, Remanded to Judicial Custody

Ratnakanta Rout was arrested by the ED on August 20, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, over his alleged involvement in money laundering, including the acquisition, possession and concealment of proceeds of crime.

The ED stated that Rout is a history-sheeter against whom as many as 27 FIRs have been registered at various police stations across Odisha in connection with alleged offences, including illegal quarrying, theft, dacoity and the supply of explosives.

Following his arrest, he was produced before the Special Court (PMLA) on August 21. His remand was extended on August 26, and the court rejected his bail application on August 26, remanding him to judicial custody.

On September 7, 2026, the Special Court granted the ED custody of Rout for a further four days after considering additional incriminating material gathered during the investigation.

ED Identifies Alleged Financial Links

The investigation, initiated on the basis of FIRs registered by Odisha Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, identified alleged proceeds of crime under the PMLA.

According to the ED, Rout allegedly participated in the layering and movement of funds through interconnected business entities and accounts associated with Maa Tarini Stone Crusher, RLR Mercantile, Sai Sambhu Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (SSIPL), Assurance Metalloyd Exim Pvt. Ltd. and related persons, including Laxmipriya Prusty.

The agency had earlier conducted searches on January 8, 2025, under Section 17 of the PMLA at multiple premises linked to Rout and associated entities. The searches reportedly led to the identification of proceeds of crime.

Bail Petition Previously Dismissed

The ED further stated that an earlier bail petition filed by Ratnakanta Rout before the Special Court (PMLA), Bhubaneswar, was dismissed.

According to the press release, the court, after examining the evidence gathered by the ED, observed that a prima facie case of involvement in money laundering was made out against the accused.

The ED said that further investigation in the matter is continuing.