MP: Sand mafia open fire at police, govt officials; none hurt

Unidentified members of sand mafia allegedly opened fire at a police and revenue department team which had gone to inspect a site along Ken river near here following reports of illegal mining activities, officials said today.
The incident occurred late last night at Padwar mining site, police said, adding that nobody was injured in the firing.
"No policeman or revenue official was injured in the firing that took place late last night," Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) H K Dhurve said.
After reports of some people indulging in illegal sand mining, the government officials and policemen went to Padwar mining site, where the unidentified accused fired 14 to 15 rounds at them, Area Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Lajja Shanker Mishra said.

"In defence, police opened retaliatory firing, following which the accused escaped from the spot," he said, adding, "We have impounded two trucks from the mining site."
The unidentified accused have been booked on the charge of attempt to murder, Mishra said.
A search has been launched to identify and arrest the accused and further investigation is on.