Jamshedpur: Intensive campaign targets illegal mineral traders in district, several vehicles seized

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, May 16:  In line with directives received from the State Government, a comprehensive crackdown against illegal mineral traders is currently underway in the district, spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner, Vijaya Jadhav. A successful raid operation was conducted late at night on May 13 and 14 in Potka, led by the District Transport Officer, Dinesh Ranjan.

The raid team, comprised of Executive Magistrate Dhalbhum-JP Karmali, Santosh Mahato, and Sumit Prakash, swung into action, resulting in the seizure of a total of nine vehicles carrying illegal ballast. The raid covered the stretch between Bada Singdi village and Potka, where vehicles were discovered engaged in the storage and transportation of illicit minerals. Upon spotting the Task Force team during the operation, the driver of one of the vehicles fled, abandoning the vehicle. Subsequent investigation revealed a complete absence of any documents related to the transported minerals. The vehicle was promptly seized and handed over to the Potka police station.

The violations committed by the vehicle owners and drivers fall under the purview of Section 4 and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as well as Rule 54 of the Jharkhand Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2004. Additionally, charges have been registered under relevant sections of Rule 7, 9, and 13 of The Jharkhand Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation & Storage) Rules, 2017. Over the past 15 days, as per the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner, a thorough investigation campaign targeting illegal mining and transportation activities has been carried out throughout the district. During the operation, six trucks loaded with sand were confiscated from Bahragora, while two more trucks carrying sand were intercepted in Patmada. Additionally, the raid led to the seizure of six trucks transporting concrete chips, two trucks hauling sand from Potka, one truck loaded with concrete K9 chips, two trucks laden with coal, and two others transporting sand from Ghatshila. The district administration, under the guidance of DC Vijaya Jadhav, remains committed to curbing the rampant illegal mineral trade. The ongoing operations serve as a stern warning to those engaging in such activities, sending a clear message that such violations will not be tolerated, and strict legal actions will be taken against the offenders.