Jamshedpur: FIR against illegal sand miners, raids at seven locations

Jamshedpur, June 6: The district administration’s strong action against the sand mafia has caused a panic among the sand smugglers. Under the leadership of the SDO Ghatshila, Styaveer Rajak a raid was conducted at seven locations, resulting in the seizure of a large stockpile of approximately 38,000 cubic feet of illegal sand last night. The operation lasted for about four hours and led to the confiscation of illegal sand storage at six locations in the Dhalbhumgarh block and one location in Gurabanda.

The administration has taken a tough stance against illegal sand mining and has lodged a First Information Report (FIR). The FIR has been filed to initiate a legal investigation into the matter and bring the culprits to justice.

The team involved in the operation included the CO Dhalbhumgarh, Sadaanand Mahato, CO Assistant and BDO Gudabanda, Smrita Nagessia, Executive Magistrate Keshav Bharti, Deputy Inspector Abhinay Kumar, Gudabanda Police Station In-charge, and local workers. Two suspects, Babloo Sau and Tuntun Pandit, involved in illegal mining and storage of sand, were identified and a case was registered against them at the Dhalbhumgarh Police Station.

Approximately 34,000 cubic feet of sand was seized from Dhalbhumgarh, while around 4,000 cubic feet was confiscated from Gurabanda. The raid in Dhalbhumgarh targeted six locations, including Mohlishol (2 locations), Kokpada (3 locations), and Binda Ka (1 location). In Gurabanda, the raid took place at Nekdasholi and Dhebar Tola Forest Block. The SDO assured that a rigorous investigation against the sand mafia would continue to ensure strict action is taken.

The Deputy Commissioner, Vijaya Jadhav, commended the team, including the SDO Ghatshila and other officials and staff, for their involvement in this operation against the sand mafia. She emphasised that the district administration will maintain its strict stance against illegal transportation, mining, and storage of minerals in the district. She warned the sand smugglers to dissociate themselves from illegal activities, otherwise, they will face severe legal consequences.

Furthermore, the lodging of an FIR sends a clear message to potential offenders that their actions will have legal consequences. It acts as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar illegal activities, promoting compliance with regulations and preserving the ecological balance.

By lodging an FIR, the authorities have started the process of gathering evidence, conducting inquiries, and taking appropriate legal actions against those involved in illegal sand mining. The FIR serves as a crucial step in the legal proceedings, enabling the law enforcement agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter.

Illegal sand mining often involves the use of heavy machinery, dredging equipment, or manual labor to extract sand, which is then sold on the black market for construction purposes, land reclamation, or other uses. This activity can lead to the degradation of ecosystems, erosion of river banks, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of natural habitats. It can also exacerbate flooding, affect water quality, and cause damage to infrastructure