In a shocking display of audacity, illegal sand mafia in Jaipur resorted to dumping sand directly onto a public road to obstruct a transport department flying squad. This incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 29, unfolded as the transport team attempted to intercept dumpers laden with illegally mined sand, while the mafia not only blocked the road but also surrounded the flying squad's vehicles, threatening officials and facilitating the escape of their dumpers. A video of the incident has also surfaced, highlighting the brazenness of these criminal elements and underscoring the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illegal mining operations.
The Flying Squad's Vigilance and Initial Encounter
Transport Inspector Anil Banshiwal was leading a flying squad operation on Kalwar Road, specifically tasked with monitoring and intercepting illegal sand transportation. The team's objective was to crack down on vehicles operating without. Proper documentation or number plates, which are common indicators of illicit activities. During their patrol, the squad spotted four dumpers approaching, all conspicuously lacking number plates, confirming their involvement in illegal sand movement, while upon being signaled to stop by the transport officials, the drivers of these dumpers defiantly ignored the instructions, accelerating their vehicles in a clear attempt to evade apprehension and continue their illicit journey.
High-Speed Pursuit and Deliberate Obstruction
Following the drivers' refusal to comply, the transport department team initiated a high-speed pursuit. The chase saw the dumpers splitting into two groups: two vehicles sped towards. The city, while the other two veered off in the direction of Sancholi village. In a desperate and dangerous maneuver to impede the pursuing officials, the dumper drivers deliberately emptied their loads of sand onto the road. One dumper strategically dumped its entire cargo on the main road, creating a significant physical barrier, while another chose a location near a school in Sancholi village to discharge its load, while this act not only obstructed the path of the flying squad but also posed a serious hazard to other road users and potentially to the schoolchildren in the vicinity.
According to Inspector Anil Banshiwal, the situation escalated dramatically when two cars, carrying several individuals, arrived at the scene. These individuals immediately surrounded the flying squad's vehicles, effectively trapping the officials and preventing them from advancing further. They proceeded to openly threaten the transport department personnel, creating a hostile and intimidating environment. This direct confrontation and show of force by the mafia provided the crucial window of opportunity for the two dumpers to make their escape from the scene, while the incident highlights the organized nature and aggressive tactics employed by the illegal sand mafia, who are willing to directly challenge law enforcement.
Direct Confrontation and Intimidation by the Mafia
Conflicting Accounts on Police Response and FIR Registration
Following the harrowing incident, Inspector Banshiwal stated that he promptly contacted the control room and the local police for assistance. However, he alleged that no police personnel arrived at the scene to support his team during the confrontation. Subsequently, Banshiwal filed a written complaint at the Kalwar police station. Initially, an official First Information Report (FIR) wasn't registered, but on Thursday, a case was formally filed against Mukesh Kumar and Rajesh Kumar, based on the complaint, while this development marked a crucial step in the legal process, though the initial delay raised questions about the immediate police response.
Police Counter-Allegations and Status of Investigation
Kalwar Station House Officer (SHO) Navratna Dholia, however, presented a contrasting narrative regarding the incident and the subsequent police action, while he stated that the transport inspector had not returned to provide a detailed statement or submit any video footage since filing the initial report. SHO Dholia emphasized that the transport team merely filed an FIR and left, failing to provide crucial evidence or follow up with their statements, while addressing the allegation of non-arrival, Dholia clarified that his station didn't receive any direct call from an officer, and that the control room typically dispatches 'Chetak' (police patrol units) directly in such situations. Dholia also highlighted that the transport flying squad is equipped with its own security detail ('jaabta') and shouldn't solely rely on the police for immediate backup in every instance. He further noted that the incident occurred approximately 20 kilometers from the police station, and the transport team arrived to report the matter about an hour after the dumpers had already fled the scene. He reiterated that since then, the transport officials have not returned to provide statements or submit any evidence. The police are currently conducting a factual investigation into the matter, and further action will only be possible once the necessary evidence, such as dumper numbers and video footage, is provided by the transport department, along with the officials' statements, while this ongoing dispute over evidence and cooperation underscores the complexities in tackling organized illegal mining operations and the need for better inter-departmental coordination.
