Illegal sand-laden dumpers flee after attacking mining officials in Ahmedabad

A late-night drive by the Geology and Mining Department to curb illegal sand transportation in Ahmedabad turned violent on January 10 after two dumpers carrying unauthorised sand allegedly rammed past officials, dumped the material on a public road, and fled after threatening department staff, police said.

Based on a complaint filed on January 11, Sarkhej police have registered a case against unidentified persons and the alleged dumper owner under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for obstructing public servants in the discharge of official duties, criminal intimidation and mineral theft.

According to police, the incident occurred around 10 pm near One Mall Circle on Makarba Road, when a team from the Geology and Mining Department was conducting checks against illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals. The team comprised contract-based mining officer Kiranbhai Pirabhai Parmar (31), mining supervisor Akshat Kumar Ladani, driver Mayurbhai Nagabhai Vanda and security guard Aashirvadbhai Thavaraji Sadat.

The officials spotted two yellow dumpers coming from the Juhapura side, both loaded with approximately 30 metric tonnes of plain sand each, while the second dumper allegedly had no visible number plate. When the drivers were asked to produce royalty pass permits, they failed to do so. 

Parmar alleged that one of the drivers refused to disclose his identity and claimed that the dumper belonged to one Suresh Bharwad, a resident of Pipalja village. The officials then directed the driver to proceed to Sarkhej Police Station. However, instead of complying, the driver allegedly diverted the vehicle towards Makarba and did not stop near the police station.

The situation escalated near the Seventh Heaven building, where a man armed with a stick reportedly intercepted both dumpers and instructed the drivers to unload the sand on the road. After dumping the material on the public road, the man identified himself as Suresh Bharwad, allegedly abused the officials, threatened to kill them, and forcibly pushed Parmar out of the vehicle before fleeing with both dumpers.

Officials said videography recorded during the incident would be submitted as evidence, and separate departmental action would be initiated for mineral theft under mining laws. Investigations are under way to identify and trace the accused and seize the vehicles involved, police added.