GUWAHATI: Udalguri police recently made a significant breakthrough in their fight against illegal sand mining in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Superintendent of Police (SP) Supriya Das led a targeted drive to dismantle an illicit sand-stone syndicate that has been exploiting the region's natural resources. During the operation, two individuals, Akash Basumatary and Ravitram Boro, were apprehended from Gitibari Mahal, suspected to be involved in illegal activity.
What makes this case even more noteworthy is that Akash Basumatary is believed to be associated with the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), the ruling political party in the BTR. Meanwhile, Ravitram Boro is a former member of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), adding further intrigue to the situation.
The arrests were carried out based on initial inputs gathered during the investigation. The charges against the detainees are grave, with sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as 386 (extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention) being applied. If proven guilty, they could face severe penalties under the law.
After the arrests, both Akash Basumatary and Ravitram Boro were remanded to jail custody to await further legal proceedings. The authorities are actively pursuing additional investigations to uncover any other individuals or groups involved in the illegal sand syndicate.
Illegal sand mining poses significant environmental threats and disrupts the delicate ecological balance of the region. By exploiting natural resources unlawfully, such syndicates cause irreversible damage to the environment and put the lives and livelihoods of local communities at risk. Therefore, the crackdown on this illicit activity is not only about upholding the rule of law but also about safeguarding the delicate ecosystems of the Bodoland Territorial Region.
This operation also serves as a clear message to those involved in similar illegal activities, that the law enforcement agencies are committed to preserving the environment and curbing the exploitation of natural resources. It demonstrates the resolve of the authorities to uphold justice and accountability, regardless of the political affiliations of the individuals involved.
As the investigation progresses, the case is likely to garner significant attention, considering the involvement of a prominent UPPL member and a former NDFB member. The public will be closely watching how the legal proceedings unfold and whether this crackdown will deter others from engaging in similar illicit practices in the future.
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