Nine tippers seized in overnight raid on suspected illegal sand haulage in Deulgaon Raja

The revenue administration has taken a tough stand against illegal sand mining and transport in Deulgaon Raja. A joint team of the revenue and police departments raided a site at midnight and seized nine tippers on suspicion of illegal sand haulage. The operation was led by probationary tehsildar Pramod Khamat.

The revenue administration had received information that tippers had gathered in the old Mandapgaon area of Deulgaon Raja tehsil for illegal sand transport. Acting on it, Khamat formed a revenue department team and, with police help, planned a joint operation. The team reached the Mandapgaon area at about 10 pm on November 2 and took a total of nine tippers into its custody.

The operation began at 10 pm on November 2 and continued until 2 pm on November 3, a full 16 hours. The drive, which began in the dark of night, has caused major panic among those involved in illegal sand transport. All nine seized tippers have been deposited at Deulgaon Raja police station. The sudden action is much talked about in the area, and those engaged in sand mining and transport in the tehsil are said to be badly rattled.

Khamat headed the operation under the guidance of Deulgaon Raja tehsildar Vaishali Dongarjal. Police inspector Brahmagiri and sub-inspector Rajkumar Moholkar of Deulgaon Raja police station also gave key support. Revenue and police coordinated to complete the joint drive.

From the revenue department, circle officers P. T. Jaybhaye and Vijay Hirve, patwaris Sumit Jadhav and Sanjay Hande, peon Punjabrao Thate, revenue servant Rameshwar Shere and driver Mhaske were part of the team. The joint effort of the two departments led to nine tippers being caught in a single operation.

The registration numbers recorded are MH-28-BB-7864, MH-28-BB-7489, MH-21-BM-8832, MH-29-BX-1899, MH-28-BZ-9494, MH-37-J-1623, MH-28-BB-0178 and MH-28-BB-7298. One more tipper has no number plate. All the vehicles are being kept at Deulgaon Raja police station.

Illegal sand mining and transport cost the government revenue and also do heavy damage to the environment. A firm stand by the revenue administration has been described as necessary to curb such cases. The action in the Mandapgaon area has sent a clear message to those engaged in illegal sand transport. Residents of the tehsil are now watching whether such actions will continue.