Crackdown on Illegal Sand and Stone Extraction Destroys Six Barki Boats

Tanzil Hossain

In Bishnakandi Zero Point and the neighboring areas under Gowainghat upazila, the upazila government carried out an intense anti-crime campaign against the illegal extraction of sand and stone. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate, Mr. Ratan Kumar Adhikari, supervised the operation on Saturday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Six automated wooden boats, also referred to as barki boats, that were actively being utilized for the illegal extraction of sand and stones were destroyed by officials during this strict enforcement campaign, effectively breaking down violations of the law.

The upazila administration claims that a mobile court was immediately established during the operation, leading to the filing of a legal case and a punishment of one person with 15 days of simple jail for their direct involvement in stone extraction. Nevertheless, several other criminals involved in the illegal operations were able to avoid detention by leaving the area after hearing the incoming law enforcement squad. Gowainghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Omar Faruque and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md. Zakaria Hossain were among the major local authorities who were on hand to supervise and assist the operation.

Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Mr. Ratan Kumar Adhikari delivered a strong declaration about upcoming enforcement actions to protect public resources after the successful effort. He underlined that, to safeguard government property and permanently eliminate environmental damage in the area, the upazila administration will maintain its strict governing activities.