In a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, police and mining department officials conducted a major joint operation late Friday night in Etawah, resulting in multiple seizures and arrests along the Madhya Pradesh border.
Midnight Operation Nets Illegal Transporters
A coordinated team from Badhpura police station and the district mining department launched the surprise operation targeting illegal mining operators. The joint force, acting on intelligence about increased mineral transportation activities, successfully intercepted and seized four trucks involved in unlawful operations.
During the intense operation, three truck drivers were arrested on the spot after attempting to flee the scene. The arrested individuals have been identified as Golu Yadav, Anand, and Malkhan Singh, all residents of Bhind and Morena districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Chaotic Scenes as Drivers Flee
As the operation intensified, several other truck drivers panicked and abandoned their vehicles after emptying their loads of maurang and gravel directly onto Madhya Pradesh roads. This desperate move came as fear spread among illegal operators about the administration's strict measures.
Evidence of the illegal activities remained visible until morning, with heaps of mineral material scattered at various locations along the border road. The visual proof highlighted the scale of unauthorized mining operations in the region.
Legal Action and Financial Penalties
The operation was strategically led by Badhpura station officer KK Mishra and district mining officer Braj Bihari Prasad. The team established checkpoints at the Udi picket area, where they thoroughly examined vehicle documents and pursued those attempting to escape.
Authorities took strong legal action under both the Motor Vehicles Act and the Mining Act. The four seized trucks were confiscated under section 207 of the MV Act, while the three arrested drivers face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In a significant financial penalty, the officials imposed a fine exceeding ₹5 lakh for the illegal transportation of mineral materials without valid documentation. Five vehicles total came under scrutiny during the comprehensive checking process.
Official Statement on Revenue Loss
District Mining Officer Braj Bihari Prasad emphasized the serious financial implications of illegal mining operations. "Illegal mining causes revenue loss of crores to the state," he stated, highlighting how mining mafia elements continuously create irregularities using fake documents or operating without mandatory UP forms.
The officer further explained that such coordinated campaigns are necessary to combat the persistent problem and protect state resources from being siphoned off through unauthorized mining activities.
