Patna: 3 mining officials hurt in Bihta sand mafias' attack

PATNA: In a shocking incident, at least three mining department officials, including a woman, were injured in alleged attack by a group of antisocial elements involved in illegal sand mining in Patna's Bihta block on Monday. Several constables also got injured in this incident, the police said.
The police arrested 44 people and seized 50 vehicles after registering three FIRs in this connection. Patna SSP Rajiv Mishra said the incident took place around 2.30pm at Parev village under Bihta police station area, when the team of district mining department had gone to check the overloading of trucks and illegal sand mining in the area.
He told TOI that when the team reached near Koilwar bridge, a group of illegal sand miners surrounded and attacked them. "Based on the footage, the accused are being identified. SO far, 44 people have been arrested and 50 vehicles have been seized. The injured officers have been admitted to the hospital," the SSP said.
A video of the incident has also surfaced on social media, in which a group of men were seen assaulting the woman officer, who was lying on the ground and pleading for help. They hurled abuses and attacked her with sticks and stones as she made an attempt to flee. One of the accused was seen dragging the officer by her hand. The goons also attacked the other officers, while they were running for their safety. The TOI does not confirm the authenticity of the video.
The woman officer was identified as mining inspector Amya Kumari. The other injured include district mining officer Kumar Gaurav and mining inspector Syed Farheen.
Few cops also hurt
The condition of all three injured are said to be stable. A few constables also suffered minor injuries. “The raiding team was pelted with stones by antisocial elements near Koilwar bridge. Three officers suffered injuries,” said a statement issued by the district administration.
Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh immediately sent SDO and SDPO, Danapur to the spot. “Intensive raids are being conducted against those who pelted stones. Legal action will be taken against all those who were involved in this incident,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bihar BJP spokesperson Nikhil Anand said the mining officials were collecting money on regular basis from the truck drivers and people involved in mining. “In protest against illegal extortion from mining officials, a scuffle took place.
Later, police and administration people attacked the property and vehicle of the block chief of Bihta, Mukesh Yadav to ransack it. This incident in Bihta is highly condemnable. The police administration in Bihar is bowing down before the mining mafia, liquor mafia and organized criminal gangs,” he said.