The Mines and Minerals Branch of the Collectorate received a report of unauthorized mining and transportation of plain sand minerals in the Orsang river bed at Karnet (Zaverpura) village in Dabhoi taluka. An investigation was carried out by the team in the river bed early this morning during which mineral theft was exposed. Giving information about this, geologist Nirav Barot said that during the investigation, it was found that unauthorized mining and transportation of plain sand minerals was done by Bhimpura resident Vijaybhai Mansinghbhai Patanwadia and Rohit Jagdishbhai Paragbhai by 1 Hitachi machine (excavator). Following this, a total of Rs 60 lakh, including four trucks loaded with sand, two empty trucks, and a Hitachi machine, were seized from the spot. The owner of the Hitachi machine was found to be Vijaybhai. Legal action against the culprits has led to fear of unauthorized miners and transporters of sand.

Author-Shlok Talati