Sada Pathor theft: Looted stones buried under sand recovered in Sylhet’s Companiganj
Joint forces have been conducting raids since 13 August to retrieve stones illegally extracted from Sada Pathor
Authorities in Sylhet's Companiganj upazila yesterday recovered a large quantity of looted stones buried under sand and soil in the Kolabari area, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal extraction from the Sada Pathor area.
The stones were allegedly stolen from Sada Pathor and nearby areas and hidden after law enforcement began operations in the area, according to the local administration.
Companiganj Executive Magistrate Mahmud Ashiq Kabir led the joint operation in Kolabari and recovered the buried stones. The authorities, however, have not yet confirmed the total amount seized.
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"The operation is ongoing and a complete figure will be provided by the end of the day," he added.
Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khushnoor Rubaiyat said raids will continue until all hidden stones are recovered. "Even if stones are hidden under sand or soil, we will recover them. We have received reports that stones are being hidden inside houses as well," she said.
Companiganj UNO Azizunnahar gave a similar assurance, stating that buried stones would be located and seized.
Joint forces have been conducting raids since 13 August to retrieve stones illegally extracted from Sada Pathor.
In a related drive, members of RAB-11 recovered around 40,000 cubic feet of looted stones Thursday night from the Shukursi Ghat area of Sarulia in Dhaka's Demra and from Kachpur in Narayanganj.
RAB-11 Commander Lt Col HM Sajjad Hossain said the stones, both whole and crushed, were seized from seven establishments in Sarulia. "As part of the ongoing crackdown, we have prepared a list of the owners, and further details will be disclosed soon," he said.
The operation was jointly conducted by RAB-11, the district administration, and the Department of Environment.
According to the RAB official, about 200,000 cubic feet of white stones worth Tk200-250 crore and 600,000 cubic feet of sand worth around Tk240 crore have recently been stolen from the Sada Pathor area.
Meanwhile, police on Thursday arrested BNP leader and West Islampur Union Chairman Alomgir Alam amid growing controversy over the looting. Companiganj upazila BNP president Shahab Uddin has also been suspended from the party's committee.
On the same day, the High Court ordered the recovery of all looted stones within seven days and their reinstatement to their original location.
Authorities have also been directed to submit a list of individuals involved in the theft.
