Patna: In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining in Bihta, near Patna, police arrested 19 individuals on Saturday and seized numerous boats loaded with sand. The operation, led by Danapur DSP-2, was aimed at curbing the ongoing illegal activities in the area, causing panic among the local sand mafia.
Acting on a tip-off, Bihta police received intelligence about illegal sand mining taking place in the Bakas area of Amanabad and Pathlautia, located along the Sone River. A special team was formed, which conducted raids on the site, leading to the arrest of 19 individuals engaged in the illegal operation.
DSP Pankaj Mishra confirmed the seizure of 11 boats filled with sand, including 6 large boats and 5 machine-equipped ones. Several of the arrested individuals are boat owners hailing from Patna and nearby districts. Mishra noted that no weapons were recovered during the raid. Additionally, Neura police seized three tractors involved in sand overloading.
It is noteworthy that illegal sand mining in the Amanabad and Pathlautia sand ghats of Bihta frequently involves gunfire from the sand mafia, leading to several fatalities. Despite regular police interventions, the sand mafia and their associates often resume their illicit activities. Prior to this, Bihta police had already arrested dozens of individuals involved in illegal sand mining operations.
