Police in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district have initiated legal action against a local BJP leader and several others following a violent confrontation during an operation against illegal mining. The incident, which saw a police officer and personnel allegedly assaulted, occurred at Bamni Chowk on Wednesday.
Illegal Mining Tip-Off Leads to Confrontation
The chain of events began when Circle Officer (CO) Rajendra Kumar Das of the Patamda range received specific intelligence. The information indicated that illegal mining and transportation of stone chips were actively taking place from the Thantani hills. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a police team from Patamda moved to intercept the operation.
Upon reaching the location, the officers attempted to confiscate a tractor that was laden with illegally mined stone chips. However, they were met with resistance. According to the police account, a group of individuals, reportedly armed with sticks, prevented the seizure of the vehicle. The situation escalated into a physical scuffle, during which the smugglers allegedly attacked CO Das and the accompanying police personnel.
FIR Lodged Against BJP Leader and Accomplices
Despite the resistance, the police team managed to overpower the alleged smugglers. They successfully seized the tractor involved in the illegal activity. Following the incident, an official First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Patamda police station based on the statement provided by CO Rajendra Kumar Das.
The FIR names Basudev Mandal, the BJP's Patamda block president, and two other identified individuals. Additionally, a case has been lodged against several unidentified persons who were part of the group. Mandal, however, has publicly denied any involvement. "I was not at the site of the incident. I am innocent," claimed the BJP leader in his defense.
Police Investigation and Charges
Karampal Bhagat, the officer in-charge of Patamda police station, outlined the charges detailed in the FIR. The primary accusations include preventing police officers from discharging their official duty and engaging in a physical altercation with the Circle Officer. These are serious offenses that carry significant legal consequences.
Bhagat confirmed that the police have launched a thorough investigation and are conducting raids across the area to apprehend all the accused named in the FIR. The authorities are determined to bring those responsible for obstructing government work and assaulting officials to justice. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in curbing illegal mining activities in the region.
