Sand mining: CBI raids 10 places in Raj

Jaipur: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted searches at 10 different locations across the state, including Jaipur, as part of its ongoing investigation into illegal sand mining activities in the state.

The raids were carried out at the residential and official premises of some people suspected of involvement in the case, covering areas in Jaipur, Tonk, Ajmer and Bhilwara. During the searches, the CBI recovered incriminating documents related to illegal sand mining operations. The probe began following an order by Rajasthan High Court's Jaipur Bench on April 16, which transferred the case to the CBI after expressing dissatisfaction with the local police's handling of the case. The case was originally registered with Sadar Police Station in Bundi district under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 21(4) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act).

The initial FIR pertained to the arrest of a private individual, Jabbar, on October 24, 2023, for allegedly transporting 40 metric tons of illegally mined sand without a valid permit. Jabbar's driver, Shahrukh, was also arrested in connection with the case. The police later arrested the registered owner of the vehicle on February 22, 2024.

The Rajasthan High Court's April order came after Justice Sameer Jain, presiding over Jabbar's bail plea, criticised the Bundi police for a "shoddy probe." The High Court observed significant shortcomings in the investigation, including failure to maintain the case diary properly, ignoring the issue of overloading (the vehicle was carrying 40 metric tons of sand, while only 15 metric tons were permitted), and conducting a hasty investigation without thoroughly considering evidence and facts.