Nagpur Police Ramp Up Anti-Sand Mining Operations
Following a recent attempt on a revenue official's life by the sand mafia, the local crime branch (LCB) and rural police stations in Nagpur have launched intensified operations against illegal sand mining, particularly during nighttime hours. There is now a growing demand for proactive measures from revenue department officials under the district administration at the taluka level.
The police crackdown has gained momentum after villagers in Parseoni taluka recently confronted the sand mafia over excessive excavation along the Kanhan riverbed. Last week, residents intercepted two tractors belonging to the sand mafia and filed a complaint at the Kanhan police station. The villagers allege that unchecked illegal sand mining is devastating the local ecosystem, with extraction levels far exceeding permissible limits due to a lack of oversight, especially at night.
Villagers Express Frustration
“Why are geofencing breach alerts, designed to flag multiple trips from sand ghats, not triggering stronger actions?” questioned a villager who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another villager added, “Enforcement from the revenue department has remained sparse.”
Police Invoke MCOCA
In a significant move, the rural police, under Superintendent Harssh A Poddar and Additional SP Anil Mhaske, recently invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against key operator Kallu Khan. Authorities are also moving to seize his properties, including actions in Ranchi. Senior police officers have asserted that they are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.
“We have identified vulnerable extraction points such as Ramdongri, Juni Kampti under Kanhan police station, Rewatwari, Sirohi, and stretches along the Saoner-Parseoni roads. Dedicated police teams now patrol these routes around the clock, maintaining high vigilance,” said a senior police official. Action has been taken against sand ghat owners found excavating excess sand, with several vehicles being seized. Recent enforcement actions were carried out in Bhiwapur.
Impact on Sand Ghat Owners
Sand ghat owners, who were already facing financial setbacks due to the sand mafia, were jolted after Bhiwapur police took action against a few of their vehicles for violations, according to sources.
