1 dead as sand mafia attacks cops, sets DSP vehicle afire in Sawai Madhopur

Jaipur: A tractor driver died in Chauth Ka Barwara area of Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district when a police raid on illegal sand mining operations near Banas River late Thursday led to a violent confrontation between a team of cops and suspected sand mafia. The attackers pelted stones at the police team and torched the DSP's private vehicle.

The clashes broke out around midnight near Didaich crossing. The DSP had reached the spot around 11.15pm in his private vehicle, leaving his official vehicle behind at Surwal PS to avoid alerting the suspects. Upon arrival, the police team tried to disperse those engaged in illegal sand mining by using batons.

In the ensuing chaos, Surya Gyan Meena, a tractor driver from Bundi district, died after allegedly being run over by a vehicle. Police said Meena was trapped under a tyre during the scuffle, while his kin alleged that cops had thrashed him using an iron rod, leading to his death on the spot.

As tensions escalated, a mob began pelting stones at the police team and set the DSP's vehicle ablaze. Additional forces were rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

Sawai Madhopur SP Mamta Gupta said the team of cops was conducting a planned raid on illegal mining activity. "We often use private vehicles during such operations because the mafia has already noted the number plates of official vehicles," she said. When asked whether the deceased was a bystander or a participant, Gupta stated, "Prima facie, it appears that the deceased was also involved in the illegal mining syndicate operating in the region."

Villagers, however, threatened to launch a protest, accusing police of mishandling the situation and being responsible for Meena's death. "The matter is under investigation. Only after a thorough probe will the facts become clear," a senior official said.