Patna: A major late-night operation in Patna has struck a significant blow to the city’s illegal sand trade, with district authorities seizing 28 tractors and imposing fines amounting to Rs 3.2 million.
The raid, carried out at 1am on Monday in the Digha police station area, involved a joint team from the district administration and the police. Officials said the surprise crackdown caused panic among traders who had been operating with impunity, openly selling sand along roadside stretches.
An FIR has been registered against the tractor owners at Digha police station. Authorities said the vehicles had been transporting sand without valid permits and that the trade was being conducted covertly under the cover of darkness.
Patna district magistrate Thiyagarajan said action would now be taken against those involved in sand, land and liquor mafias under the Criminal Contract Act (CCA). He announced that the administration was preparing a wider campaign to combat illegal mining, which would include drone surveillance, high-tech boats and mobile enforcement teams.
The crackdown comes after the state’s home minister, Samrat Choudhary, told the assembly that illegal mining and mafia activities in Bihar would be “bulldozed”. Officials said they remained determined to eliminate the trade and warned that those found involved would face strict legal consequences.
