Bhubaneswar, July 29: The state vigilance today raided 10 places in connection with scam at the Uliburu mines owned by B.K. Mohanty in Keonjhar district.

Vigilance superintendent of police Sashi Bhusan Mishra said: “We have detained B.K. Mohanty for questioning. The officials also raided 10 places across the state. More raids will be conducted.”

The raid was conducted mainly in Bhubaneswar, Athgarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.

The vigilance also conducted raids on the house of Uliburu mines deputy director Manas Mohanty, who has been put under suspension. However, Mohanty refused to speak to reporters.

The mines had become controversial following allegations of illegal excavation. One businessman, Deepak Gupta, had extracted ore from the mines to the tune of Rs 1,800 crore outside the lease area. Mohanty had given the power of attorney to Gupta and his relatives namely Nitu Gupta, Harichanran Gupta and Champak Gupta.

The state vigilance has also seized incriminating documents in connection with the illegal mining case.

After the alleged scam had surfaced, the state government ordered a vigilance probe. It has so far suspended seven forest officials and seven officials of the steel and mines department.

The Justice MB Shah Commission, which is inquiring into the scam, has also brought this mine under its scanner. The commission has already submitted its preliminary inquiry report and is expected to submit its final report shortly.