Will take action against officials aiding illegalsand mining: HC

Cuttack: The Orissa high court has warned that it will initiate criminal proceedings against officials if they do not stop facilitating proliferation of excess mining of sand by excavators on the Kathajodi riverbed near Cuttack within a fortnight.The warning came in reaction to a counter affidavit filed by the state government in reply to a public interest litigation for a halt to illegal mechanised sand mining on the riverbed on Wednesday.The two-judge bench of acting Chief Justice B R Sarangi and Justice M S Raman said: “The affidavit which has been filed by the then collector on July 19, 2023 itself is based on false information and flimsy statements supplied to him and, therefore, it is construed that the said affidavit is a false one and criminal proceedings should be initiated against such persons, which would be a lesson for others.”

Illegal sand mining in TN: Madras high court stays operation of ED's summons to five district collectors

The Madras High Court stayed the operation of summons issued by the ED to district collectors in Tamil Nadu in connection with illegal sand mining. The court held that the pleas moved by the Tamil Nadu government against the actions of the central agency were maintainable. The state argued that the ED has no jurisdiction over illegal sand mining as it is not a scheduled offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Madhya Pradesh: Revenue official crushed to death by tractor-trolley used for illegal sand mining; one held

A patwari in Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh lost his life after being run over by a tractor-trolley engaged in illegal sand transportation. The driver deliberately ran over the patwari when he attempted to halt the vehicle. The accused driver has been arrested and charged with murder. Despite recent efforts to combat illegal sand mining, the incident occurred. A joint team had conducted inspections and seized illegally mined sand in the area.

2 get life term for killing activist who moved HC on sand mining

Father-son duo sentenced to life for murder of social activist opposing illegal sand mining on Yamuna banks; Convicted by fast-track court in Noida; Other sons acquitted; Victim's son filed complaint at Sector 39 police station; FIR registered against accused; Victim shot dead three days after SDM Durga Shakti Nagpal's suspension; Prosecution produced 20 witnesses, including family members and investigating officers; Victim's wife witnessed accused fleeing on bike; Autopsy revealed six bullet wounds; Defence argued lack of evidence; Accused convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment and fines under IPC.