In a significant crackdown, the administration in Forbesganj, Araria district, conducted raids against illegal mining from government canals on Saturday. Led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Abhay Kumar and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rajkishore Kumar, a team seized one tractor involved in the illicit activity.

The operation targeted rural areas, including Rampur Dakshin Panchayat. The tractor was caught red-handed near a large canal in Rampur Dakshin Panchayat. Upon spotting the administrative team, several other individuals engaged in illegal mining managed to flee the scene with their tractors.

The raiding party included Forbesganj Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Kumar, police personnel, and staff from the mining department. Officials stated that they had received confidential information about extensive illegal mining of soil and sand from the canals, which posed a risk to the canal embankments and increased the potential for future floods.

The seized tractor has been impounded at the Forbesganj police station premises. The mining department is in the process of registering a First Information Report (FIR) in the matter. Local residents reported receiving numerous complaints about continuous soil and sand extraction from the canals, day and night. The administration has affirmed that the campaign against illegal mining will continue, and strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty.