Birbhum, 16 July (H.S.): In a dramatic development on Thursday, West Bengal Agriculture Minister and Mayureswar MLA Dudhkumar Mondal joined local residents in intercepting several sand-laden trucks on State Highway-11 in Birbhum over allegations of illegal sand transportation despite a government ban.

Illegal sand mining from the Ajay River has been a long-standing concern in the area. The administration had prohibited sand extraction from July 15 due to the monsoon season and the risk of flooding. However, local residents alleged that illegal transportation of sand continued even after the ban came into effect.

Acting on these complaints, the minister stood alongside local residents and stopped several vehicles carrying sand. According to local sources, one dumper truck was detained and handed over to the Mayureswar Police Station.

Police said legal action is being initiated against the vehicle owner in accordance with the law.

Residents alleged that several trucks were overloaded, some had no number plates, while others displayed obscured registration numbers. They also claimed that a number of vehicles lacked valid documents and transport receipts, raising suspicion of illegal sand transportation.

A local resident, Sabyasachi Mondal, claimed that 10 to 15 sand-laden vehicles were intercepted during the operation. He further alleged that many other trucks diverted to alternative routes after learning about the checking drive.

The incident has once again brought the issue of alleged illegal sand mining and transportation in the region into focus.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey