West Singhbhum is grappling with the violent consequences of illegal sand mining, as a young life was extinguished in the pursuit of illicit gains. Deepak Pradhan lost his life in Mundai village, within Jaitgarh OP police station limits, after being crushed by a tractor. The incident occurred when Pradhan reportedly confronted individuals involved in illegal sand transportation. The death has intensified local anger and apprehension regarding the pervasive sand mafia.
On Friday, protesting villagers expressed their fury by staging a road blockade with the deceased’s body, demanding accountability from the authorities. Law enforcement arrived to calm the situation and subsequently seized the tractor. The body of Deepak Pradhan has been sent for forensic examination to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital. So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
According to Jagannathpur police chief Avinash Kumar, the tractor is in police custody, and a detailed investigation is underway. He mentioned that Pradhan was known for his activism against illegal mining, and the current account suggests the incident was an accidental encounter while he was attempting to stop the vehicle. Residents have long complained about the thriving illegal sand mining and trafficking in the area, asserting that the sand mafias operate with impunity. Accusations of complicity and inaction have been leveled against the police and mining departments, emboldening the criminals. The community is calling for swift arrests and stringent legal action against the culprits, alongside a decisive halt to all illegal mining activities.