Fulbari, 07th August: Tension erupted near Fulbari barrage after allegations of illegal sand extraction from the Mahananda River surfaced on Friday. BJP workers and supporters staged a protest at the sand mining site, following which New Jalpaiguri Police conducted an operation and seized three dumpers along with a printer machine and documents related to sand extraction.
BJP leader Matiur Rahman alleged that illegal sand extraction had been continuing for a long time under the cover of government work without royalty payments. He claimed that several dumpers were transporting sand daily and alleged involvement of local leaders from both TMC and BJP in the activity.
The protesters alleged that the illegal operation had been continuing for a long time without administrative action. They claimed that when BJP workers reached the site on Friday, people involved in the activity fled from the spot.
Following information about the protest, a team from New Jalpaiguri Police reached the location and carried out an operation. Police seized three dumpers, a printer machine and several important documents related to sand extraction.
Police sources said the seized documents are being examined and an investigation has been initiated into the matter.
The incident has created tension in the area. Later, BJP workers submitted a written complaint at New Jalpaiguri Police Station, based on which police have started a further investigation.