During the operation, led by District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, authorities destroyed five suction units and eight barges allegedly used in extraction of sand
Representational Image
Authorities in Maharashtra's Thane district have carried out a crackdown against illegal sand mining in Bhiwandi taluka and destroyed various equipment, including barges, collectively valued at around Rs 90 lakh, officials said on Saturday, reported news agency PTI.
The revenue department carried out the operation in Kevani creek area on Friday based on a tip-off, an official release said.
"The revenue department took major action against the mafia involved in illegal sand mining in the Kevani Sand Port area. In this operation, property worth about Rs 80 to 90 lakh was destroyed," it said, reported PTI.
During the operation, led by District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal, authorities destroyed five suction units and eight barges allegedly used in extraction of sand. The equipment was burnt and the barges were sunk in the creek, resulting in heavy financial losses to those involved in illegal activities, it added, reported PTI.
The mafia had created 12 large storage tanks along the creek to stock illegally extracted sand. These tanks were demolished using three backhoe loader machines, the release said.
Authorities said the land used for storing the sand falls under the 'reserved forest' category.
"Since the activity was being carried out on reserved forest land, strict action will also be taken by the forest department and the Mangrove Conservation Unit," it said, reported PTI.
Personnel from Bhiwandi Rural police station were deployed during the operation to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, the release added, reported PTI.
The district administration said it has intensified its campaign against illegal sand mining in recent months, with multiple cases registered and equipment seized in earlier drives.
Labourer held for stabbing to death man in Badlapur fish market
In another case, a labourer was arrested in the early hours of Friday for allegedly murdering a man in a fish market in Badlapur East in Thane district, a police official said, reported PTI.
Dhirajkumar Babulal Baiga (35) stabbed to death Subodh Kumar (in his late 30s) at around 8pm on Thursday, he added, reported PTI.
Baiga was arrested some hours later at 2am, the Badlapur East police station official said.
The motive of the crime is yet to be ascertained, he said, adding Baiga is being interrogated.
(With inputs from PTI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
