Mail News Service
Ranchi, July 1: Fear of the sand mafia is rising in Ranchi, leaving police officers increasingly insecure while performing night patrol duties. This concern came to light after personnel from Chutia Police Station submitted a written complaint to the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
According to the complaint, on the night of June 29, ASI Gurucharan Pandit, along with constables Barindra Kundlanra, Rijha Oraon, and driver constable Ravindra Kumar Singh, was patrolling near Ketari Garden on Ghat Road. They intercepted a turbo vehicle (Reg. No. EE 4309) illegally transporting sand. However, when asked for documents, the driver failed to produce any.
Suddenly, another white vehicle (Reg. No. JH01FF5542) with “Difference” written on it arrived. A man identifying himself as Mangal Mahato, stepped out and aggressively questioned the police for stopping the sand vehicle, claiming it was his and that he “manages” the police station. Soon after, 6–7 more people joined him, verbally abused the officers, and forcibly took away the sand-laden vehicle, threatening the police team.
The complaint further highlighted that similar incidents had occurred recently, including one where the Namkum Police Station in-charge and his bodyguard were seriously injured after being hit by a sand vehicle. Officers say the sand mafia’s growing boldness was creating a dangerous environment, especially during night patrolling.
