In a significant crackdown on unlawful excavation activities, the Umred Police in Nagpur executed a major operation against illegal sand mining, leading to the seizure of three heavy vehicles and the registration of multiple cases.
Police Net Cast Wide Based on Tip-Off
Acting swiftly on received intelligence, law enforcement officials established strategic blockades at two key locations on Wednesday. The checkpoints were set up at the busy Bypass Chowk and near Kalamna Phata, close to D Mercy Hotel, to intercept the suspected vehicles.
Interceptions and Arrests at Two Points
At the Bypass Chowk barrier, police successfully stopped two ten-wheel tipper trucks. The first was driven by Harshal Anil Bhalerao (22), a resident of Bahadura. The second vehicle was operated by Deepak Ramprasad Kangale (22), who hails from Mohgaon Jhilpi. Both individuals are from Nagpur district. Each of these tippers was found to be carrying a load of 5 brass of illegally mined sand.
In a simultaneous action near Kalamna Phata, authorities halted another tipper. This vehicle was being driven by Rohit Raju Urkudkar (25), from Paoni in the Bhandara district. His truck was transporting an even larger quantity of 8 brass of sand.
Lack of Documentation and Total Valuation
A critical finding of the operation was that none of the three drivers possessed valid licences or permits required for the transportation of sand. This absence of legal documentation solidified the illegal nature of their activities.
The police have estimated the total value of the confiscated materials and vehicles. The three tippers alone are valued at approximately Rs 80 lakh. The combined 18 brass of seized sand is worth an additional Rs 90,000. This brings the total value of the seizure to a substantial Rs 80.90 lakh.
Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Crackdown
The Umred Police have registered separate cases against all the drivers involved. This operation underscores the continued focus of Nagpur police on curbing the rampant and environmentally damaging practice of illegal sand mining, which often flouts regulations and causes significant ecological harm.
