Two Interstate Diamond Smugglers Arrested in Gariyaband with 22 Stones; Odisha Link Under Probe

The arrests were made near Sharadapur ITI College in the Devbhog police station area, where the suspects were allegedly waiting for buyers. Acting on a tip-off, Devbhog SHO Faizul Huda Shah and his team surrounded the area and nabbed the duo. They were identified as Khir Singh Manjhi (30) of Nabarangpur, Odisha, and Harishankar Netam (27) of Payalikhand Jugaad in Gariyaband district.

When questioned, the men failed to produce valid documents for the diamonds. Upon search, police recovered 22 small and large stones, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle valued at ₹35,000. Preliminary interrogation revealed the stones had been brought from Odisha for sale in Chhattisgarh.

Additional SP Jitendra Chandrakar said both accused admitted their involvement in smuggling and were booked under sections 303(2), 3(5), and 21(4) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. They were produced before court on Monday and sent to judicial custody.

Police officials said the operation marks a significant step toward dismantling an organized diamond smuggling network in the region. Authorities are now investigating the source of the diamonds and possible links to illegal mining in the Odisha border belt.

The Devbhog–Odisha corridor has long been known for illicit diamond trade, with several similar cases reported in recent years. Police have intensified efforts to trace other members of the network and uncover the broader supply chain.