BHOPAL: A woman mining officer was allegedly threatened by suspected illegal mining operators outside a police station in Bhopal after a team seized dump trucks suspected of transporting minerals without proper authorisation, police said.
The incident took place late on Thursday night and came to light after a complaint was filed by the officer. Police have registered a case against several individuals on charges including obstructing a public servant from performing official duties, illegal mining and transportation, and criminal intimidation.
According to the complaint, the mining team was inspecting dump trucks near a checkpoint when officials stopped several vehicles for verification. Some drivers allegedly attempted to evade inspection after unloading their material, but the vehicles were detained and taken to a nearby police station.
Police said the owners of the vehicles later arrived at the station with supporters and allegedly blocked the path of the mining team by parking their vehicles outside the premises. They were accused of pressuring officials to release the seized dump trucks.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly misbehaved with the woman officer in the presence of police personnel and threatened her with serious consequences before leaving the scene.
A senior police officer said notices were being issued to the accused and they had been summoned for questioning. The seized dump trucks and other vehicles remain in custody while registration and permit documents are being verified.
Police teams conducted searches at possible locations linked to the suspects on Saturday, but they had not been traced at the time of reporting. The investigation is continuing.
