Kolkata, 9 January (H.S.): The increasing influence of sand and land mafias in Asansol and its surrounding areas has become a major concern for law enforcement and administration. Following the recent murder of TMC leader Dulal Sarkar in Malda, police protection has been extended to three Trinamool leaders in Asansol.The leaders under protection include Ashok Rudra, a member of the TMC state committee and councilor of Asansol Municipal Corporation, Bishnudev Nuniya, co-chairperson of the Paschim Bardhaman Zilla Parishad, and Ramkrishna Ghosh, another Zilla Parishad member.According to police sources, the influence of sand mafias in the Asansol region has escalated significantly in recent years. A large section of coal mafia networks has now shifted their focus to illegal sand and land dealings.The situation became alarming in 2022 when three TMC workers were killed in Chitra Mor and Damra, exposing the nexus of sand mafias in the area. That same year, Ashok Rudra, along with local residents, led protests against illegal sand mining. Notably, BJP MLA from Asansol South, Agnimitra Paul, also participated in the protests, amplifying the issue.Lessons from the Malda IncidentThe recent murder of TMC co-chairperson Dulal Sarkar in Malda has prompted the state administration to take stern measures against illegal sand and land mafias. On the orders of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, several mafia operatives have been arrested, signaling the government's resolve to tackle the issue.Ashok Rudra Expresses SurpriseReacting to the reinstatement of his police protection, Ashok Rudra on Thursday said, “My security was withdrawn in 2022, and now it has been restored. I don’t know the reasons behind both the withdrawal and the reinstatement.”

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh