Police beaten, tractor stolen in sand smuggling clash in Sonamukhi; 4 arrested

A violent confrontation broke out on Thursday night in the Amshol area of Sonamukhi, Bankura district, when a group of criminals attacked police officers attempting to halt an illegal sand smuggling operation. The incident occurred after the police intercepted two tractors loaded with sand that had been illegally extracted from a legal quarry on the Damodar River. The criminals, who numbered between 15 and 20, ambushed the officers as they were transporting the detained tractors to the Sonamukhi police station.

The sand was being loaded onto the tractors without the necessary permits from a legal quarry, and the police were alerted to the illicit activity. After receiving information, Sonamukhi police acted swiftly and pursued the tractors. The officers were able to stop two sand-laden tractors near Dehipara, a locality in the Sonamukhi police jurisdiction. As the officers were escorting the vehicles back to the station, the attackers ambushed the police vehicle, beat the officers, and stole one of the tractors.

During the altercation, three police personnel were injured. They were treated for minor injuries, and none were reported to be in critical condition. Despite the assault, the police managed to hold on to one of the tractors, while the criminals successfully made off with the other. The stolen tractor, which was carrying a significant load of sand, was recovered after reinforcements from the police were dispatched to the area. Additional units arrived at the scene and secured the remaining tractor, bringing it back to the police station.

The attackers were able to escape during the initial chaos, but the police launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Four individuals connected to the assault and the illegal sand smuggling operation were arrested shortly afterward. The arrested suspects were taken to the Bishnupur Sub-divisional Court for their formal remand. They face charges of assaulting law enforcement officers and involvement in illegal sand extraction and transportation.

The police investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying all individuals involved in the illegal sand mining operation. Authorities are examining whether the suspects are connected to a larger network involved in similar illegal activities in the region. The police have emphasized their commitment to curbing illegal sand mining, which has become a growing issue in the area, contributing to environmental concerns and undermining law and order. Further actions are expected as the investigation continues.