Bareilly: The district administration intensified its crackdown on illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals by conducting a surprise late-night raid in the Bahedi area of Bareilly district.
Acting on complaints regarding illegal mining activities, a joint enforcement team carried out an inspection and raid operation in Unai village, under Bahedi Police Station limits in Bahedi tehsil. During the operation, officials found two JCB excavators and three tractor-trolleys allegedly involved in illegal mining and transportation of minerals.
According to officials, the drivers and operators attempted to flee towards a nearby forest upon noticing the enforcement team. However, the authorities pursued the vehicles for nearly one kilometre before successfully intercepting and seizing all five vehicles involved in the alleged illegal activity.
Vehicles Handed Over to Police Custody
Following the raid, all seized vehicles were taken into custody and handed over to Bahedi Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities have initiated action against the vehicle owners and operators under the relevant provisions governing illegal mining and mineral transportation.
Officials also revealed that a similar enforcement action had been carried out two days earlier in the Subhash Nagar Police Station area of Sadar tehsil, where another JCB machine allegedly involved in illegal mining activities was seized.
Penalties Exceeding ₹10 Lakh Proposed
District officials stated that proceedings for the imposition of financial penalties are underway in the identified cases. The proposed recovery and penalty amount is expected to exceed ₹10 lakh, reflecting the administration’s strict stance against illegal extraction of natural resources.
Administration Vows Continued Crackdown
The district administration reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals across Bareilly. Officials emphasized that enforcement drives will continue on a regular basis and that no form of illegal activity will be tolerated.
The action was carried out in compliance with the directives of the District Magistrate, who has instructed concerned departments to maintain strict vigilance and take prompt action against violations affecting natural resources and environmental regulations.
Authorities have appealed to residents to report any instances of illegal mining or mineral transportation so that timely action can be taken and environmental laws effectively enforced.
Reported by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena, Bareilly.
