Nagpur, 13 Dec (HS): Bhandara SDO Gajendra Balpande has

been suspended in connection of loss of revenue and losses to farmers in

illegal sand mining under Betala Sand Depot in Bhandara district. An offence will

be registered against the then tehsildar, who has retired from service, Revenue

Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule informed the Legislative Assembly.

The issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly on

Friday. Keshavpriya Infrastructure was allowed sand mining in the name of

Betala Sand Depot. Abouy 34,600 Brass sand was illegally excavated by the

company. During the discussion it was stated that action against the SDO was

delayed even after reports of Talathi and the Tehsildar were different.

Bawankule initiated action against them and announced suspension of the SDO. Direction to registered a criminal case

against the retired Tehsildar Mahendra Sonawane was issued.

The loss of Rs 65 crore due to the illegal mining and

a penalty will be recovered from the company.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar