Premium

Clash over ‘control of illegal sand mine’ injures 2 in West Bengal, 10 held

Residents have long complained about the alleged illegal sand extraction from the Ajay river, accusing “local TMC goons” of the activity

2 min readKolkataFeb 12, 2025 07:13 PM IST

sand mining, ajay river, birbhum district, tmc, trinamool congress,

Residents have long complained about the alleged illegal sand extraction from the Ajay river, accusing “local TMC goons” of the activity. (Representational Image)

A violent clash involving throwing of crude bombs between two groups —allegedly backed by rival Trinamool Congress (TMC) factions — over control of illegal sand mining operations broke out on Tuesday in Birbhum’s Kankartala area.

The clash allegedly stemmed from a struggle for control over the proceeds from an illegal sand mine in the Ajay river area of Jamalpur, Kankartala. Local sources alleged the fight was also about “establishing dominance” in sand extraction from the river.

A man, identified as Sheikh Saktar Ali, sustained serious injuries in the incident, with administration officials confirming the amputation of his right leg. Ten people have been arrested, including Saktar, who is undergoing treatment. The others are in police custody.

The police said another person was also injured in the clash.

Residents have long complained about the alleged illegal sand extraction from the Ajay river, accusing “local TMC goons” of the activity. The incident comes a month after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reprimanded district magistrate Bidhan Ray during a live-streamed administrative meeting over sand smuggling in Birbhum.

BJP MLA and senior party leader Anup Saha said, “People from Anubrata Mondal and Sheikh Kajal’s factions clashed with bombs over extorting money from sand mines. We condemn such extortion practices in the TMC.”

Mondal, recently released on bail in a cattle smuggling case, is reportedly a rival of Kajal — who gained prominence in the district during Mondal’s imprisonment.

Story continues below this ad

The TMC, however, has distanced itself from the violence. “Our party has nothing to do with this clash or the practice of extortion. The police will take action against those involved. It may be that the clash broke out between rival groups of goons over some local issues,” said TMC district vice-president Malay Mukherjee.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
West Bengal

Loading Taboola...