Police raid 3 illegal mining sites, seize assets worth Rs 4.6cr

Rajkot: Acting on directions from Rajkot Range inspector general of police (IGP) Nirlipt Rai, police carried out another major crackdown on illegal mining, raiding three locations in Morbi and Surendranagar districts and seizing machinery and goods worth Rs 4.60 crore, including 13 dump trucks, a loader and two heavy earthmovers.

Based on intelligence received by the Rajkot Range team, the first action was taken near the bypass along the banks of the Machchhu river in Amreli village limits in Morbi district. After it was found that illegal sand mining was taking place, equipment worth approximately Rs 1.10 crore was seized, including three dumpers and one earthmover.

The second operation was carried out near Jakhan village in Limbdi taluka of Surendranagar district. One Mahavirsinh Rana was allegedly caught while illegally mining sand from the Bhogavo river, with two dumpers and one earthmover. In this case, items worth about Rs 1 crore were seized.

A raid was also conducted on an illegal sand washing plant in the limits of Bodiya village in Limbdi. It was revealed that one Bharat Bharwad was running an illegal mining racket and the washing plant. Equipment worth around ₹2.50 crore was confiscated, including eight dumpers and other machinery.

According to police, 13 dumpers, one loader and two earthmovers —cumulatively worth Rs 4.60 crore — were seized from the three locations. Local police and officials of the mines and minerals department were then informed. The accused persons and seized items were handed over to the police station concerned for legal proceedings.

For some time, Rajkot Range police have been running a sustained drive against rackets involving illegal mining, illegal biodiesel and other unlawful activities. This latest operation struck fear among the mining mafia.