GPS Tracking Attempt on Ghaziabad Mining Officer's Vehicle Sparks Police Probe
In a startling incident in Ghaziabad, two unidentified men were caught trying to attach GPS tracking devices to the official vehicle of District Mining Officer Saurabh Chaturvedi. The event occurred on March 17 between 9:35 PM and 9:50 PM at his residential society in Raj Nagar Extension, raising serious concerns about safety and obstruction of official duties.
Details of the Incident and Immediate Response
According to the complaint filed by Chaturvedi, the two individuals entered the society through the main gate and proceeded to the parking area where his government vehicle, UP32YN/3232, is typically stationed. Unbeknownst to them, Chaturvedi's driver was already inside the car. When the driver emerged and confronted them, the men allegedly threatened him before fleeing the scene.
The driver immediately raised an alarm, but despite the presence of a security guard and other team members at the gate, the suspects managed to escape. A police team from the Moti outpost under Nandgram police station swiftly arrived, reviewed CCTV footage, and discovered two magnetic GPS devices with SIM cards attached to the vehicle's diesel tank. Investigators are now working to determine whether these trackers were planted on March 17 or at an earlier date.
Background and Suspected Motives
This incident comes at a critical time when enforcement against illegal sand mining on the Yamuna floodplains has intensified, drawing scrutiny from the National Green Tribunal. Chaturvedi, who regularly conducts drives against unauthorized mining and revenue theft, suspects the perpetrators are linked to sand mining gangs. He believes the act was intended to obstruct his official functions and pose a threat to his life and property.
In response, Assistant Commissioner of Police Nandgram Ziauddin Ahmad confirmed that an FIR has been registered against two unknown persons under sections 221, 313, and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which cover obstruction of public servants, association with criminal gangs, and criminal intimidation. Police have obtained images from the CCTV footage and formed teams to identify and arrest the accused as soon as possible.
Official Actions and Broader Implications
Chaturvedi has informed District Magistrate Ravinder Kumar Mandar about the incident, and the FIR was registered after discussions with the Nandgram Station House Officer. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by officials combating illegal mining activities in the region, underscoring the risks involved in such enforcement efforts.
The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the connections between the suspects and local mining operations, aiming to ensure justice and enhance security measures for public servants.
