A mobile court team conducting a drive against illegal sand lifting in the Meghna river came under attack in Narsingdi’s Raipura upazila on Monday, as sand lifters allegedly opened fire and hurled crude bombs at the government officials and law enforcement personnel.
The incident occurred in the remote Char Madhua area of Char Aranjol union in the afternoon. Though the magistrates and accompanying police and Ansar members narrowly escaped, the operation was called off due to the escalating threat.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Masudur Rahman Rubel, who was part of the team, said the drive was launched following reports that several illegal dredgers were operating in the Meghna River.
“As soon as the sand lifters noticed us approaching, they attempted to flee. Two dredger crews opened fire and threw multiple crude bombs before taking cover along the riverbank and in surrounding fields and bushes,” Rubel told reporters.
The drive, led by Executive Magistrates Nepal Kanti Dev and Sarwar Alam, alongside Rubel and local law enforcement, was forced to halt midway due to safety concerns.
“These groups are well-armed and organised. We will launch a large-scale operation to bring them to justice,” Rubel said.
Raipura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Masud Rana confirmed the account, stating, “The sand lifters opened fire when chased by the team. For safety, we suspended the operation. Legal action will be taken against those who attacked government officials.”
He added that future enforcement efforts will involve joint operations with the army, police, and Ansar to curb illegal sand lifting.