HEAD: 28_Bho_PN_Even if my father's father is into illegal mining arrest him: Union min

Bhopal: Even If my father's father is involved in sand theft, arrest and take action against him. This statement was made by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar Khatik, during a public hearing held at the district panchayat meeting hall on Tuesday. Khatik's intervention came in response to growing concerns over illegal sand mining activities and complaints from local residents and officials.Khatik, who reviewed a total of 178 applications during the hearing, expressed strong disapproval of the handling of these cases by local authorities, according to local media.Pointing at the local mining officer, Khatik stated, "Even If my father's father is involved in sand theft, arrest him and take action. No one can make a bolder statement than this. It is unacceptable for someone to steal sand and attribute it to another person. What are you doing about it? Sand theft is disgraceful for this district and reflects poorly on the entire country."The minister's remarks were triggered by a complaint from former BJP district incharge Lokendra Singh who alleged that illegal excavation was occurring in Barbai, Harpalpur area, where excavators were used to extract murum and sell it to the railway department.Additionally, Singh reported that the sand mafia was operating in the village Laharda. Following Singh's complaint, the mineral department had confiscated 10 boats used in the illegal activities.Singh criticized the department for its actions, saying, "A few days ago, illegal mining was being done in the Barwai area, and there were media reports on it. The mineral mafia implicated me in the case. Despite my assistance to the administration, the department imposed a false fine of Rs 2.5 crore on me instead. Sand mafias are conspiring against me again"In response to Singh's complaint and the ongoing issues, minister Khatik expressed frustration, stating, "If someone is coming forward claiming innocence, it indicates a flaw in our system. The sand is being stolen and sold, with false names being used. This is unacceptable." During the hearing, Khatik assured Singh that the issues would be addressed and reprimanded the mining officer in front of the district collector.