Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 23: Taking note of the recent death of a forest ranger who was allegedly hit by a dumper while attempting to stop illegal mining in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court on Wednesday said there should be mandatory preventive detention in such cases.
The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Augustine George Masih and Sandeep Mehta in the pending suo motu case concerning illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and threats to endangered aquatic wildlife.
The bench was informed that another forest officer had been crushed to death by a dumper in Rajasthan during an operation against suspected illegal mining. The court posted the matter for hearing on October 6 and asked the counsel appearing for Rajasthan to come prepared with a response.
“There should be mandatory preventive detention in these cases,” the bench observed.
The incident occurred late on Monday in the Chhoti Sadri forest area of Pratapgarh district, where forest ranger Pratap Singh Chundawat and a forest guard had reached the spot following information about illegal mining. According to officials, Chundawat attempted to stop a dumper carrying soil when the vehicle allegedly struck him and dragged him along with his motorcycle for several metres before fleeing. He was taken to hospital and later referred to the district hospital in Nimbahera, where he died during treatment.
Police have detained suspects and seized the dumper and a JCB machine in connection with the incident, according to Rajasthan police officials.
The Supreme Court has previously issued directions in the case concerning illegal sand mining in and around the National Chambal Sanctuary. In its proceedings, the court has stressed the need for strict enforcement against organised illegal mining activities and directed Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
The National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, is an important habitat for endangered species including the gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle and the Ganges river dolphin.
The apex court has directed the three states to take stringent and coordinated action against vehicles and machinery involved in illegal mining and transportation. It has also called for criminal prosecution not only of drivers but also of owners, financiers, operators, contractors and others involved in or facilitating organised illegal mining networks.