Hindu Temple and Minority Property Under Threat as Illegal Sand Extraction Rages Unchecked

Shridam Sarkar, a permanent resident of Sadullahpur (South Nomkandi) village, submitted the complaint on April 12. According to the complaint, two individuals from the same village — Ranjit and Bhasan — are allegedly plotting to forcibly extract sand from a shared community pond using a dredger, backed by an influential group. The affected residents state that the Sadullahpur Nomkandi Durga Temple is located on the western side of the pond, and a crematorium (shamshan) on its northern side. In addition, 8 to 10 families have been living in the area adjacent to the pond for a long time. If sand is extracted using the dredger, there is a serious risk of collapse of the temple, the crematorium, access roads, and the homes of local residents. When locals try to resist, the accused — backed by the influential group — subject them to various forms of intimidation and threats. In this situation, villagers have appealed for the administration's urgent intervention to halt the illegal sand extraction and protect their place of religious worship, crematorium, and homesteads. On the matter, UNO Mahmuda Kulsum Moni said, "When the complaint reached me, I immediately ordered the sand extraction to be stopped, and the parties were given time to remove the dredger equipment. However, if the equipment is not removed, legal action will be taken accordingly."