Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jul 5: Police have arrested alleged sand mafia kingpin Ajay Hari in West Bengal's West Burdwan district, marking a significant breakthrough in an ongoing crackdown against illegal sand mining and smuggling operations in the state.
Hari was apprehended by personnel from the Malandighi police outpost in the Bidhbihar area on Saturday night. He is scheduled to be produced before the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court, where investigators are expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.
According to police officials, Hari is suspected of running a large-scale illegal sand extraction and smuggling network that allegedly generated enormous illicit profits. Investigators claim the proceeds were used to acquire properties, luxury homes, vehicles and other assets worth several crores of rupees.
During custodial questioning, police intend to identify other members of the alleged syndicate, trace the financial trail, and uncover the operational network behind the illegal mining activities.
Officials said Hari has long been accused of illegally extracting sand from the Ajay River and transporting it through an organised smuggling network. Authorities also alleged that despite repeated accusations over the years, no substantial action was taken against him under the previous administration.
Police sources further claimed that Hari maintained close links with leaders of the Trinamool Congress, allegations that have surfaced repeatedly in connection with the illegal mining racket.
According to local accounts cited by investigators, illegal sand mining in the Durgapur region first gained momentum during the Left Front regime and expanded significantly in the years that followed under the Trinamool Congress government.
Police said Hari's influence and wealth grew considerably after 2011, with investigators alleging that he accumulated assets worth crores through the illegal sand trade.
A senior officer of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate said Hari owns multiple residential properties, luxury vehicles, tractors, dumpers, excavators, JCB machines and other heavy equipment used for sand extraction. He is also believed to have invested in brick kiln operations and established an ashram over the years.
Authorities said the current state administration has intensified efforts to dismantle illegal sand mining networks and has directed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against organised crime and mafia groups involved in such activities.
Police said Hari had remained absconding for some time following the change in government in West Bengal but was eventually tracked down and arrested. The investigation into the alleged sand smuggling network is continuing, with officials expecting further leads from his interrogation.