JCB Driver Arrested for Endangering Revenue Official During Illegal Mining Raid in Nagpur
A JCB owner-driver accused of illegally excavating murrum in Kuhi taluka was arrested after allegedly endangering the life of a revenue official during a late-night raid at Mouza Bori (Naik) on May 5. The accused, identified as Ayur Thote, was taken into custody by Veltur police on May 6 following a dramatic chase in which the JCB reportedly kept moving for nearly three kilometers despite repeated warnings from revenue officials.
According to district officials, Naib Tehsildar Buddhbhushan Nikhalje caught Thote red-handed while excavating murrum illegally during a targeted crackdown. Officials stated that Nikhalje climbed onto the JCB in an attempt to seize the vehicle and halt the operation, but the accused allegedly continued driving recklessly, putting the officer's life at significant risk.
District Collector Praises Officer's Courage
District Collector Kumar Ashirwad termed the incident a serious attack on a government official on duty. He commended Nikhalje's bravery and ordered intensified action against illegal excavation and transportation of murrum and soil across the district. Ashirwad emphasized the need for strict enforcement to deter such unlawful activities.
Urgent Review Meeting Called
Ashirwad convened an urgent review meeting on Wednesday with senior revenue officials, including Additional District Collector Pravin Mahire, Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande, Sub-Divisional Officers, and District Mining Officer Atul Dod. During the meeting, he directed officials to continue strict enforcement drives against illegal mining and transport activities in rural areas.
Legal Action Taken
Police have booked Thote under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by district authorities to curb illegal mining, which has been a persistent issue in the region. Officials have vowed to maintain vigilance and take stringent action against violators to ensure the safety of government personnel and the rule of law.
