Is there a crackdown on the sand mafia with 9 tractors seized during a raid in Patna?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bihar government intensifies efforts against illegal sand mining.
- A total of nine tractors seized during a raid in Patna.
- Legal actions include fines and arrests under the Crime Control Act.
- Use of advanced technology to combat illegal activities.
- Commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against illegal sand trading.
Patna, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Bihar government has ramped up its efforts against illegal sand mining, yielding notable outcomes as district administrations statewide initiate synchronized actions to combat this illicit activity.
In a significant operation, the Patna district administration executed a late-night raid on Thursday, instilling fear among those involved in the illegal sand trade within the capital.
On December 11, 2025, at 11:00 p.m., following directives from Tyagarajan SM, the District Magistrate of Patna, a collaborative team conducted a special operation targeting illegal sand mining and transportation under the authority of Beur Police Station.
The raiding party included the Sub-Divisional Officer (Patna Sadar), SDPO (Phulwari), District Mining Officer (Patna), mine inspectors, and officers from Beur Police Station.
During the operation, the team scrutinized tractors loaded with sand along 70 Feet Road and Beur Mor, where an unlawful roadside sand market had been established.
Authorities confiscated nine tractors with trolleys involved in the illegal sand trade, and an FIR was filed against the vehicle owners at Beur Police Station.
One individual was apprehended on-site for participation in the operation.
A total fine of Rs 10.5 lakh was levied on the seized vehicles under the Bihar Minerals Concession, Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage Rules, 2019, as amended in 2024.
Tyagarajan further mentioned that actions under the Crime Control Act (CCA) will also be enforced against individuals found engaged in illegal mining activities.
The District Magistrate stressed that regular campaigns are being executed to combat illegal mining and transportation in Patna.
Officials have been instructed to adhere strictly to state government guidelines and ensure inter-departmental cooperation for frequent and thorough raids.
He also urged departments to utilize advanced technology—including drones, high-tech boats, and enhanced intelligence networks—to detect and capture those involved in illegal sand mining, transportation, and storage.
Reiterating the state’s resolute stance, Tyagarajan stated, “Severe legal action, including the CCA, will be taken against the sand mafia, land mafia, liquor mafia, organized prohibition gangs, and others participating in illegal economic activities.”
The administration, he concluded, is dedicated to a zero-tolerance policy against such crimes.