Kharibari, 04th February: Allegations of large-scale sand theft have emerged from the Mechi River along the Indo-Nepal border near Panitanki in Kharibari, prompting swift action by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Acting on specific inputs, SSB personnel conducted a late-night raid on Tuesday and seized 10 sand-laden tractors from the area. Ten individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
SSB sources said that out of the seized vehicles, eight tractors were carrying sand transport challans, but the permits had already expired. The remaining two tractors were found transporting sand without any valid documents, indicating clear violations of mining and transport regulations.
After the operation, all seized tractors along with the arrested drivers were handed over to Kharibari police for further legal action. Police sources confirmed that the accused will be produced before a Siliguri court on Wednesday.