SDM in Panna provided police security again

BHOPAL: More than 24 hours after a Janpad president in Panna allegedly freed a sand-laden truck and tried to run over an SDM, the latter has sought police help again.

“The cops have not been taking action despite an FIR lodged against him,” Arushi Jain, SDM of Ajaygarh in Panna, said.

After the SDM met superintendent of police (SP) Mayank Awasthi and lodged a complaint against the Ajaygarh SDOP who was present at the spot and allegedly misbehaved with her, the SP has provided security cover for Jain.

She has been confronting local sand mafia frequently and has also confiscated a number of sand trucks including one belonging to Ajaygarh Janpad president Bharat Milan Pandey. Jain has demanded security cover in the past as well.

“The SP has provided an SAF constable for my security,” the SDM told TOI.

On Thursday, a truck loaded with sand was confiscated by Arushi Jain. Janpad president Pandey reached the spot and freed the truck. While doing so, the driver of the truck tried to run over her, Jain told police.

Police registered cases under sections 353 and 186 of the IPC (obstructing the work of government servant).

When Jain met the SP on Friday, she demanded Pandey be arrested. She said that the truck was loaded with sand from mines which were not operating. Besides, sand mining in the region was causing harm to a bridge over Ken river and the case is already is pending with the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Meanwhile, the accused Janpad president alleged that Jain was demanding money, an allegation vehemently denied by the SDM.