This Article is From Mar 11, 2012

Sand mafia fires at officials probing illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh

Sand mafia fires at officials probing illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh
Panna, Madhya Pradesh: Just two days after an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was allegedly killed by the mining mafia in Madhya Pradesh, officials probing illegal mining were fired at by the sand mafia in the state's Panna district on Saturday. The officials, however, managed to escape unhurt.

Alleged members of the sand mafia fired at the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and sub-divisional officer (Police). The incident took place at Chandipati village in Ajaygarh area of Panna, over 400 km from Bhopal. The area is situated on the Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh border.

"Along with SDOP, town inspector and some policemen, we were heading towards the area from where the mafia illegally transport sand. But soon, they started firing at us. We also fired a few rounds in retaliation. We are safe and have demanded more forces, which is reaching the spot," SDM NA Gaud told IANS from the site of the incident.

The SDM said he suspected former dacoit Kuber Singh, who now conducts illegal transportation of sand, as having led the group that fired at them.

Superintendent of police Anal Maheshwari rushed to the spot.

On Thursday, 30-year-old IPS officer Narendra Kumar was killed when a man driving a tractor ran over him. Mr Kumar had tried to stop the tractor, which was loaded with illegally-mined stones in the Morena district. Mr Kumar spotted the tractor while he was out patrolling. When the driver refused to stop, Mr Kumar got out of his jeep and blocked the tractor's path. The driver ploughed into him. Morena district is rich in stones meant for construction and the sand here is one of the finest in the country. Mr Kumar's family has alleged that his killing was a well-planned conspiracy.

(With IANS inputs)
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