Illegal sand extraction, hill cutting operations busted in Chattogram's Patiya: 3 jailed, Tk2.5 lakh fined
Despite holding a lease for sand extraction, the fined businessman was extracting sand from unauthorised locations
A mobile court in separate drives busted an illegal sand extraction and a hill-cutting operation at Giri Chowdhury Bazar and Haidgaon areas of Chattogram's Patiya last night (6 January).
During the raid in the illegal sand extraction operation in the Shrimal canal near Giri Chowdhury Bazar, the mobile court seized three trucks from the spot and imposed a fine of Tk2.5 lakh on a businessman named SM Reza Ripon for his involvement.
It also sentenced three individuals, Abul Kala, Nurul Karim and Mohammad Hosen, to 15 days imprisonment for illegally cutting a hill in the Haidgaon area.
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The mobile court was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Plabon Kumar Biswas.
"Despite holding a lease for sand extraction, SM Reza Ripon violated the Balumahal and Soil Management Act, 2010, by extracting sand from unauthorised locations," he said.
"On the other hand, the three convicted individuals were found violating environmental regulations by cutting hills and transporting soil, prompting penalties under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act. Equipment used in the illegal activities was also seized during the raid," added the executive magistrate.
