MP govt orders SIT probe into killing of cop by 'sand mafia'

Taking serious cognisance of the killing of a police constable allegedly by sand mafia in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced an SIT probe into the incident and said the panel would submit its report within a fortnight.
He also announced ex-gratia of Rs 11 lakh to the kin of the deceased constable Dharmendra Chouhan (40).
"During a high-level meeting held here to review the incident, the chief minister said a special investigation team (SIT) would be formed to probe the incident which would submit its report within 15 days," a senior official said.

Terming the incident as "unfortunate", the chief minister said strict action should be taken against those responsible for the incident.
During the meeting attended by Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Babulal Gaur and State Chief Secretary Antony DeSa, among others, the chief minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 11 lakh to the kin of the constable.
"Rs 10 lakh will be given by the state government and Rs one lakh from the Shaheed Fund," the official said, adding, salary for the deceased's entire remaining service period, too, will be given and his children will be provided free-of- cost education.

The chief minister also said that if wife of the deceased wishes, she could be employed in government service on compassionate grounds.

Dharmendra Chouhan was mowed down allegedly by sand mafia in the wee hours on Sunday when he tried to stop a dumper carrying illegally mined sand from Chambal river near a village in Morena district.
He was posted at Noorabad police station.
A case under section 304 of the IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) was filed against the dumper driver, who fled from the spot after the incident.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court banned sand mining in the river more than five years ago in response to a PIL, observing that it posed threat to gharials who lay eggs in the sand.

In March 2012, IPS officer Narendra Kumar was mowed down by a tractor owned by sand mafia in Morena district.
A CBI probe was later conducted into the killing and the accused, Manoj Gurjar, was arrested. He was later awarded a 10-year jail term.