An FIR has been registered against Javed Sabarmullah, Aman Shaikh, Appu Sahani, and Sainath Kasbe, all residents of Versova. The police issued them notices and released them pending further investigation
The spot in Versova where the illegal sand mining operation was underway. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A large-scale illegal sand mining operation has been uncovered in the Versova sea near Andheri West. In connection with the case, the Versova police seized 400 bags of sand and seven fibre boats from the Versova beach.
An FIR has been registered against Javed Sabarmullah, Aman Shaikh, Appu Sahani, and Sainath Kasbe, all residents of Versova. The police issued them notices and released them pending further investigation. The complainant in the case is Police Constable Nasruddin Inamdar, 33, a member of the Crime Detection Unit at the Versova police station.
According to officials, on July 14, Police Sub-Inspector Dnyaneshwar Jadhav, along with Constables Pawar and Jadhav, were on patrol duty. Around 8 pm, while patrolling near Patil Galli along the Versova shoreline, the team noticed a group of individuals in the sea, seemingly filling sacks with some material.
Upon investigation, the officers discovered that the group was illegally extracting government-owned sand. The suspects were detained on the spot. During questioning, the police found 400 plastic bags filled with sand, estimated to be worth Rs 40,000.
The accused allegedly used seven fibre boats, collectively valued at Rs 2.8 lakh, to transport the stolen sand. Additionally, empty sacks and shovels used in the operation were also seized. The total value of the confiscated property is approximately R3.21 lakh.
PSI Dnyaneshwar Jadhav of Versova police station said, “We caught them red-handed while they were stealing government-owned sand from the Versova beach. We seized their boats and 400 bags of sand. They were issued notices and released. Further investigation is ongoing. We are trying to determine why they stole the sand and what they intended to use it for.”
A police officer added, “We have registered the FIR under Sections 303(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 3 and 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act. Further investigation is underway.”
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