Patna: A mob of illegal sand mining network in Bihar's Patna attacked three mining department officials who were involved in an inspection after the policemen who were believed to offer protection to the mining team took to their heels, on Monday. The entire turn of events were caught on a camera and the video has who trickled out in the social media generating huge backlash.
In a damage control exercise, Bihar Police have arrested 44 persons who were believed to have been indulged in the attack besides seizing 50 vehicles involved in illegal sand mining. The injured officials were identified as Amya Kumari, a woman inspector, Sayeed Farhin, a mining inspector, and Kumar Gaurav district mining officer.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the attack with NCW chairperson Rekha Sharma asking the Bihar DGP to personally monitor the case and ensure that an investigation is held in a fair and time-bound manner.
In the video, a young policeman with his face covered with his handkerchief and was seen shying away from the camera while fleeing the spot. The camera follows him as he checks on the other two policemen trailing him. He is seen signaling them to join and all three run away. As the camera follows the crowd, it could be seen the mob was going on a rampage at a distance.
In another video, the mob was seen going after the officers indiscriminately. The women inspectors appear to take refuge on the district mining officer and he was seen pleading with them to leave them. The attackers pelt stones and use sticks to beat all three of them and they were beaten black and blue. The charged up mob was heard extolling others to 'hit them' as the blows kept landing on the officers on duty. In one frame, one of the woman inspector was being dragged away.
Patna (West) Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said, "A group of anti-social elements attacked district mining officers while they were carrying out an operation related to sand mining in the area. So far we have arrested 44 persons in connection with the incident. Three persons including a district mining officer and two mining inspectors were injured in the incident."
NCW issues statement: "The NCW has come across several media reports in which three officers from Bihar’s mining department, including a woman inspector, were injured after they were attacked with stones by goons while conducting raids in Patna’s Bihta block against the illegal operation of vehicles and sand mining," the NCW said in a statement.
"Police have arrested 44 people in the case and have registered three FIRs. As per reports, police are yet to arrest other persons involved in the matter," it said. "The reported crime against a female officer is appalling, and the Commission strongly condemns such an act," the statement said.
"The audacity of the group of men who brutally assaulted the female police officer in broad daylight raises serious concerns about the safety and security of women in Bihar. The commission has taken cognisance of the matter," the NCW stated. "Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to the Director General of Police, Bihar, to personally look into the matter and ensure that a fair and time-bound investigation is conducted," it said.
If the allegations levelled are found to be true, relevant provisions must be invoked in the FIR. The NCW has also sought immediate arrest of all the accused persons. A detailed action-taken report must be apprised to the commission, the NCW further said.
