SDM in Himachal escapes bid on life

Confirming the incident,the Deputy Commissioner of Solan,Madan Chauhan,told The Indian Express,“the officer has been proactive in checking illegal mining. Yesterday,when he was chasing some tractors carrying illegal sand and gravel,one driver attempted to hit his official vehicle twice or thrice. He barely saved himself. The officer is safe. One tractor driver has been arrested.”

Makhan Singh,son of Bant Singh,was arrested after Yunus and other officials accompanying him lodged an FIR at the local police station.

In less than six months of his posting Yunus,a 2010 batch officer,has fined hundreds of vehicles,including tractors,and recovered nearly Rs 1 crore as fine from illegal sand mining in the area.

When contacted,Yunus said,“It was a narrow escape. I did not anticipate the attack as Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state. I am enjoying full protection of the government.” Yunus said he had led the flying squad raid against the illegal miners following a tip-off.

The Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar said,“In view the seriousness of the matter,and its similarity to the Durga Shakti Nagpal case,I have told Superintendent of Police Baddi,Arul Kumar,to personally supervise the investigations.”

Illegal mining in Himachal Pradesh is rampant in the border districts of Solan,Sirmaur,Una,and Kangra besides Shimla,Mandi and Kullu.