Tough measures initiated by Khaira tehsildar lipika Das to check the illegal mining and stone extraction and transportation have become a risk for the lady officer with mining mafias and truck owners threatening to eliminate her.
According to sources, acting on a tip-off, the Khaira tehsildar along with Forest and revenue officials stopped two stone loaded trucks along Dhobagadia-Ranital road which was being transported from Sarisua hill illegally on January 13. After getting information, around 50 truck owners along with mining mafias took away the trucks from the spot threatening officials. later, they barged into the tehsildar’s office premises and scolded the woman tehsildar at her court room with slangs and even threatened to eliminate her.
Notably, as per State Government order no mining and stone quarrying activities have conducted in Khaira block. But mafias with the help of some corrupt officials managed to extract mines and stones illegally resulting in a huge revenue loss to the State exchequer.
Sources said, though Revenue and Disaster Management Minister had directed the Baleswar Collector to ensure safety and security to the woman officer, but intellectuals demanded immediate arrest of the errant truck and crusher unit owners and mining mafias.
It has also been demanded to transfer the woman officer from Khaira since mining mafias are targeting her. locals alleged that illegal mining is rampant in Khaira though there is a ban in place while stone quarrying is also going on unhindered.
“The mining mafia should be tackled on all fronts: machines used to extract mines and the stone quarrying should be destroyed while proper security coverage should be provided to the officials raiding the illegal activities,” suggested locals. They also want action against vested interests helping the mafia.