Koraput: In a continued crackdown on illegal sand mining and transportation, police under the Jeypore sub-division in Koraput district seized five tractors allegedly involved in unauthorized sand transportation on Friday. The action came following repeated complaints about illegal extraction and transportation of sand from the Kolab riverbed in the region. Acting on specific inputs, police intensified enforcement operations against the sand mafia.
Details of the Seizure
According to Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Archita Mittal, the tractors were seized near Salpa village under the limits of Jeypore Sadar police station. During interrogation, the drivers failed to produce valid documents related to sand transportation. Notices were issued to them under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The seized sand will be handed over to the minor minerals department for further action.
Mittal stated that police have intensified vigil against illegal sand mining and transportation across the subdivision. She warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in such activities.
Cattle Rescue Operation
In a separate operation, acting on a tip-off, a team from Jeypore Town police station rescued 82 cattle allegedly being smuggled from the district to Uttar Pradesh. Three persons, including the truck driver, were apprehended early on Friday. The accused were identified as Rasut Ali, Sajat Mallick, and Sauken Ali, all residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Police intercepted the truck carrying cattle near Glocal Medical Chowk and rescued the animals. The cattle have been shifted to a shelter home. Mittal added that an investigation is underway to trace the vehicle owner and ascertain the forward and backward linkages of the cattle smuggling racket. Earlier, in April, police had rescued 27 cattle being transported to other states from the district.
Ongoing Enforcement Drives
According to the SDPO, police have intensified enforcement drives against unlawful activities across the subdivision. Special checking and enforcement operations are being carried out regularly. Strict action will continue against those involved in cattle smuggling, illegal sand transportation, and gambling activities. Mittal appealed to residents to cooperate with the police and share information regarding illegal activities to help maintain law and order in the region. She emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards crime in the region, stating that anyone involved in illegal activities will not be spared.
