Villagers in Morena seize tractor during illegal mining

Villagers in Ambah, Morena district, seized a tractor from forest officials during an attempt to stop illegal sand mining. The event happened on Tuesday, but a video of the incident surfaced on Friday. Forest officials were patrolling the area when they spotted a tractor-trolley filled with sand taken from the Chambal River. They tried to stop the tractor, but the driver overturned the trolley, causing the engine to shut off. The officials recorded the tractor’s chassis number before they could secure it. As the forest team worked, nine villagers on three motorcycles arrived. They blocked the road and threatened the officials, warning them not to use force. The villagers then took the tractor and left the scene. The Ambah Forest Range Officer reported the incident to the police, who are now investigating. They have received the forest department's written complaint and video footage to help identify those involved. The forest department will also send a letter to the transport department to find the owner of the tractor.