According to the Mineral Department, the tractor is registered in the name of Piyush Sahu. Following multiple complaints, the department acted under relevant sections of the Mineral Act.
The officials discovered that illegal sand storage was not limited to the riverbank but was also happening on open village lands. The team inspected the dumps during the operation.
No Valid Transport Documents
The investigation revealed that no valid transport challans or stock certificates were presented for the large quantity of sand being stored. The entire stock was seized on-site, and an official seizure report was prepared.
Increase in Vehicle Movement Raises Concerns
Local residents reported that over the past several months, vehicles carrying sand had been moving frequently on the Banshi Banjari-Khujji route late at night and early in the morning. Multiple complaints from villagers prompted the department to step up monitoring and plan this operation.
Department Vows Continued Action
Mineral Officer Ashwani Banjare stated that considering the rise in illegal mining cases, strict action will continue across Dongargaon, Khujji, Pangrikala, and Banjari against illegal sand and gravel mining. He emphasized that no vehicle or individual involved in illegal extraction, storage, or transportation will be spared.
