Rajkot: In a major crackdown on illegal mining, the Rajkot Range police team seized machinery and vehicles worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore during a raid in Surendranagar district.The operation was conducted in the jurisdiction of Dhajala police station, where illegal extraction of minerals was taking place from govt wasteland near Gudiyawala village.Rajkot Range DIG Nirlipt Rai said a special drive is being conducted against illegal mining and individuals causing damage to govt property. Acting on specific intelligence, the team raided the site and found heavy machinery being used for unauthorised mineral extraction.During the operation, police seized three excavators valued at around Rs 1.5 crore. Additionally, four dumpers — three empty and one loaded with crushed stone — were confiscated. The dumpers are estimated to be worth nearly Rs 1 crore.Preliminary investigations revealed the alleged involvement of a person identified as Gabhru Mogal in the illegal mining operation.The accused persons and the seized equipment were subsequently handed over to Dhajala police and the mines and minerals department for further legal and penal action.Rai said that intensive operations against illegal mining will continue in the future and strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal exploitation of the govt’s natural resources.The crackdown comes close on the heels of disciplinary action initiated by DIG Nirlipt Rai against police personnel in Surendranagar district over alleged poor performance. Last week, the police inspector of the Surendranagar Local Crime Branch, JJ Jadeja, PSI Pathan and four other police personnel were transferred.
