SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 30: Brajendra Prasad Singh, Congress Vice-President and Deputy Chairman of Dhanbad’s District 20-Point Programme, has raised concerns over the growing clashes between officials and sand mafias, particularly in the Govindpur block area.
He has pointed out that such incidents have become increasingly frequent, with the local Circle Officer (CO) being particularly involved. Singh alleged that the CO shows little interest in his official duties and instead focuses on other activities, which is widely known by the public.
This is the first time a senior leader from the INDI Alliance has accused officials of corruption.
In a strong statement, Singh, who also serves as the Chairman of the State Congress Disciplinary Committee, specifically held the Govindpur CO responsible for the rise in illegal sand mining activities in the region.
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Sand mafia attack on Govindpur CO
Singh further criticized the actions of the Govindpur CO following an incident on Friday night, when a sand mafia reportedly attacked the official on National Highway-2. The CO’s mobile phone was snatched, and his driver was beaten when the official seized a sand-laden truck.
Singh charged that the CO had neither sought prior approval from higher authorities nor was authorized to conduct raids on illegal sand transport.
Allegations of false FIRs and unjust actions
Singh also accused the Govindpur CO of lodging false FIRs against truck drivers, sending them to jail under fabricated charges. He called these actions unjust and urged the Deputy Commissioner to take strict action against such officials.
“It has been found that CO uses to lodge false FIRs on truck drivers and sends them to jail. This is not justice”, he said.
CM urged to lift sand mining ban
In addition to his criticism of the CO, Singh urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to lift the ban on sand mining, which he believes has halted development activities in the state. He also called for decisive action against the sand mafias operating in the region.
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