Pabna, May 12 (V7N) - A mobile court in Pabna sentenced 14 individuals to three months imprisonment after they were arrested for illegally excavating soil from cropland along the banks of the Padma River. The operation also resulted in the seizure of eight trucks and four excavator machines.

The crackdown took place on Sunday night (May 11th) in the Charghoshpur area of Hemayetpur Union, Pabna Sadar Upazila. The mobile court was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Murad Hossain.

The convicted individuals are Jewel Hossain (40) and Hridoy Hossain (28) from Kristapur village, Pabna Sadar upazila; Maruf Hossain (40) from Char Bangabaria village; Babu Mandal (40) from Badherhat area; Bappi Hossain (32) from Library Bazar area; Hazrat Ali (29) from Char Ghoshpur village; Makkar Pramanik (62) from Banglabazar area; Rabiul Islam (43), Saiful Islam (35), and Jamir Hossain (35) from Gachpara village; Sahabul Islam (42) from Chak Chatiani area; Nahid Parvez (35) from Chatmohar; Sabbir Hossain (28) from Atua area in Pabna city; and Panna Mandal (32) from Kacharipara area.

Local residents have been complaining that illegal soil and sand extraction from cropland in this area has been ongoing for approximately five months, alleging inaction from the administration despite their complaints. They reported that while occasional raids lead to arrests, those apprehended are usually released within days and resume the illegal activities.

Acting on information from the National Intelligence Service (NSI), a mobile court operation was conducted between 10 pm and 12 am on Sunday. This resulted in the seizure of 8 trucks, 4 excavators, and the arrest of the 14 individuals involved in the illegal land mining in Charghoshpur, Pabna Sadar Upazila. They were subsequently sentenced to three months in prison. Army personnel, an NSI assistant director, police, and Ansar members were present during the operation.

Pabna Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Murad Hossain stated that some local offenders had been illegally extracting soil and sand from the Padma River and its banks in Charghoshpur for some time. This activity has caused environmental damage, including significant road damage, and has led to the erosion of surrounding cultivated land into the riverbed. He affirmed that the arrests and convictions were a result of these allegations and that the drive against illegal sand and soil extraction will continue.

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