CM wants stern action against sand mafia

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday instructed the administration to take stern action against the sand mafia.

During the administrative meeting held with senior state government officials including the chief secretary Basudeb Bandopadhyay and Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purkayastha, Banerjee said “Do not spare the sand mafia. Take stringent action against them. There is cut money involved and probe into it.” 

It may be recalled that on Monday she said that anybody involved in anti-social activities irrespective of political colour would be taken to task. She said the sand mafia were involved in illegal excavation from river bed and said it would have to be stopped. She said none of Trinamool Congress leaders or workers were involved in illegal sand lifting but maintained that action would be taken against her party workers if they were found to be involved in the matter. 

“I know Trinamool Congress leaders and workers are not involved in illegal lifting of sand, but if anyone is caught, he/she will not be spared and stern action will be taken against him/her.”

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the failure of the Tourism department in completing projects in both South and North Bengal. She set up the Mukutmanipur Development Board with the SDO as its head. “Some of the tourism projects have not been taken up or work is carried out at a very slow pace both in South and North Bengal. I will not tolerate this and work will have to be expedited. Finish the work that are half done immediately,” she said.