Surat: A team of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out surprise checking of sand mining from Tapi River near Ghasiyameda village on Wednesday and seized vehicles suspected to be involved in unauthorized mining.
Drivers of several vehicles escaped from the spot taking advantage of ACB’s limited manpower and protest by locals, an official said. When ACB team reached the river bank, they noticed nearly 50 trucks, 35 earth movers and 20 boats working at the spot. “However, we seized 30 trucks and 12 earth movers along with tools and machinery for the 100 stone separation points,” the officer added.
“The sand was extracted and separated from stones at 100 points mechanically. This shows the scale of the illegal activity being done,” said N P Gohil, in-charge assistant director, ACB.
Later, ACB informed the geology and mines department, revenue officials and local police. ACB will submit its report based on the details collected during inspection and further action will be taken if irregularities are found, officials said.