The illegal sand mining operations in West Singhbhum district have taken a sinister turn, culminating in the death of a local youth. Deepak Pradhan was tragically killed when a tractor, allegedly involved in illegal sand transportation, ran him over in Mundai village, Jaitgarh OP police station area. This brutal act has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the unchecked activities of sand mafias.
In response to the incident, irate villagers disrupted traffic on Friday by placing the victim’s body on the road and protesting against administrative inaction. Police quickly responded to the scene to manage the situation. The tractor implicated in the crime has been impounded, and the body has been dispatched to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects.
Avinash Kumar, the officer in charge at Jagannathpur police station, confirmed the seizure of the tractor and emphasized that a comprehensive probe is being conducted. He indicated that the victim, Deepak Pradhan, had a history of opposing illegal mining activities, and his death was reportedly an accident while trying to halt the vehicle. Local communities report persistent illegal sand extraction and smuggling in the region, with perpetrators operating openly despite local resistance. Residents have voiced grievances against perceived apathy from law enforcement and mining departments, which they believe fuels the sand mafia’s defiance. Demands are being made for swift justice for the victim and an end to the illegal mining menace.