Dispute Over Panchayat Permission and Regulatory Violations Intensifies; Police Register Cases Against Both Sides
Published on: April 25, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A dispute at the Rajapayali sand mine under Dongargaon block of the district turned violent on Friday when villagers stopped a tractor loaded with sand and allegedly assaulted its driver, Chuneswar Sahu. The incident has triggered a heated debate over illegal sand mining, Panchayat permissions and violations of prescribed regulations in the area.
Violence Following Dispute Over Mining Practices
According to information received, villagers intercepted a tractor transporting sand from Rajapayali late Friday night. Locals alleged that mining operations were being carried out without adherence to prescribed limits and rules.
Villagers claimed that sand was being extracted from the riverbed beyond the permitted depth and quantity. Angered by the alleged violations, a group of villagers reportedly caught the driver and assaulted him, leading to heightened tension in the locality.
Panchayat Permission Cited
It has also emerged that a proposal had been passed at the Gram Panchayat level granting permission for sand extraction. Sources indicated that the approval was sought citing the requirement of sand for construction of nearly 50 to 80 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the village.
As per norms, limited sand extraction is allowed for rural development works. However, villagers have alleged that the permission was being misused as a cover for commercial sand trading.
Talk of Dealings and ‘Sand Trade’
At the local level, discussions have intensified suggesting that the matter may be linked to sand business interests and alleged negotiations behind mining operations. The region has previously witnessed controversies related to sand mining, and the latest incident is being viewed as part of an ongoing pattern.
Police Action Against Both Parties
Following the incident, police registered cases against both groups involved and invoked relevant legal sections. The tractor has been seized, and investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Officials Unreachable for Comment
Attempts were made to contact officials from the Mining Department and the Dongargaon Tehsildar regarding the incident, but no official response could be obtained. No clear administrative statement has yet been issued.
Environmental Clearance Still Pending
It is noteworthy that only a few days earlier, information obtained from the Mining Department indicated that the environmental clearance process at the Raipur or ministry level was still underway and could take approximately one month to complete. A news report had also been published based on this information.
Despite the pending approval process, the continued operation of the mine has raised serious questions. If permissions were still under process, how mining activities continued remains the central issue behind the dispute and violence. The incident has now sparked questions regarding administrative oversight and accountability.
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