Chaibasa, Jharkhand: A 30-year-old man was allegedly run over by a tractor in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Friday after he confronted its driver over illegal sand mining, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Deepak Pradhan, a local resident. According to officials, an altercation broke out between Pradhan and the tractor driver when he objected to the alleged illegal transportation of sand in the Jagannathpur area.
“Pradhan, who was reportedly drunk, tried to climb onto the tractor. The driver, in a fit of rage, suddenly started the vehicle, causing Pradhan to fall and come under the wheels,” said Avinash Hembrom, officer-in-charge of Jagannathpur police station.
Protest by Locals
The incident triggered outrage in the locality. Angry villagers staged a protest by blocking the road and keeping Pradhan’s body on display, demanding immediate action against those responsible.
Police soon reached the spot and managed to pacify the crowd.
“We sent the body for post-mortem examination to Chaibasa Sadar Hospital. The tractor has been seized, and the driver has been arrested. Efforts are on to trace the owner of the vehicle,” Hembrom added.
Illegal Sand Mining Concerns
Illegal sand mining continues to be a major issue in several parts of Jharkhand, including West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and Dumka. Residents often complain about unchecked activities by local contractors, leading to environmental damage, road safety risks, and violent confrontations such as this one.
Authorities say they are increasing vigilance in riverbeds and mining-prone zones to curb the illegal extraction and transport of sand.
Key Highlights
- 30-year-old Deepak Pradhan killed in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand.
- Incident followed a dispute over illegal sand mining.
- Tractor driver arrested, vehicle seized.
- Villagers held protests demanding justice.
- Body sent for post-mortem at Chaibasa Sadar Hospital.