Illegal mining: Forest department team escapes attack

Narnaul: A driver operating a JCB machine allegedly attempted to run over a three-member forest department team on routine patrol in Aravalli hills in Mahendragarh district on Friday.The incident occurred when a forest guard and two staff members attempted to halt illegal mining in Bail area of Nizampur. The team, forest guard Sikander, group D employee Mohan and gardener Sanjay, escaped on foot, but their govt motorcycle was crushed under the excavator.Range forest officer Rajnish Yadav said a complaint had been submitted at Nizampur police station. Police recovered the damaged vehicle.Mining officer Rajesh Kumar said a case has been initiated against Sanjay Kumar, the suspect. He said the area remains a hotspot for illegal mining, with authorities previously registering four cases and impounding heavy equipment. Violators face fines of up to Rs 5 lakh.