A 50-year-old man, Surajpal Singh, was arrested in Mathura on Saturday for allegedly attacking police personnel during a crackdown on illegal mining in Kamai village, under Barsana police station limits. The arrest followed an FIR registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 121(1) (use of force against a public servant), 132 (deterring a public servant from duty), 190 (unlawful assembly), and 191 (rioting).
Mathura (Rural) Superintendent of Police Suresh Chandra Rawat stated, “Based on a complaint by Sub-Inspector Madan Singh, a case was registered at Barsana police station. Surajpal was arrested from Kamai village, and further legal proceedings are underway.” However, Nardev Chaudhary, nephew of Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, claimed the excavation was part of a government-sanctioned Amrit Sarovar project and not illegal mining.
Background of the Incident
The confrontation occurred a day earlier when two locals were detained during the anti-mining operation. Police reported that a team led by SI Madan Singh raided a site between Kamai and Karhala villages on Thursday night after receiving information about illegal soil mining. The team seized a JCB machine and four tractor-trolleys allegedly used for the activity, with mining department officials present.
According to police, while the seized vehicles were being taken to the station, Surajpal Singh and Lakhan Singh intercepted the convoy near Karhala cowshed. In his complaint, SI Madan Singh alleged that the duo abused police personnel and called several unidentified individuals to the spot.
Details of the Attack
The FIR added that Surajpal, Lakhan Singh, and five to seven unidentified associates pushed the sub-inspector to the ground, threatened him, and obstructed police from performing their duties before fleeing. Both men were later detained. Subsequently, Nardev Chaudhary arrived at the police station with supporters and argued with Barsana Station House Officer Ashwani Kumar.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter.
