SDM attacked for trying to stop illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh

Satna: Members of a mining mafia allegedly tried to mow down the Nagoud sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) at Bachpai village in the district when he tried to check illegal mining of earthen material 'murum', police said on Thursday.

Nagoud SDM Nilamber Mishra had gone to Bachpai last evening to check illegal mining of muram, used as base material for road construction, when he was allegedly attacked by the local contractor and his accomplices who tried to run over an SUV on him, they said.

The SDM visited the site following complaints against contractor Lalla Singh, who, along with his henchmen had allegedly manhandled Bachpai sarpanch when the latter opposed illegal mining activity, Satna Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar said.

While Mishra and his team started seizing a JCB machine, dumper and one another vehicle, Singh and his men attacked the SDM and other officials. Subsequently, few others who were in an SUV tried to run it over Mishra, Kumar said.

Mishra rushed towards his official vehicle but soon a group of 5 to 6 men on motorcycles encircled him and allegedly abused him and also tried to manhandle him.

He somehow managed to save himself and escaped from the site. He later reported the matter to police.

Based on the SDM's complaint, a case was registered against Lalla Singh, Vishnu Pratap, Golu Singh, Anurag Singh, Ram Bahadur and three others under relevant sections of IPC, including section 307 for attempt to murder, the SP said.

All the accused are absconding and efforts are on to nab them soon, he said.

Few years back, a young IPS officer lost his life when he tried to stop a tractor carrying illegally mined stones in Morena district.

A police officer also died in the recent past in Morena as he clung on a dumper loaded with illegally mined sand in his bid to curb the activity.