Seoni, Madhya Pradesh: Tensions over sand mine dominance in Seoni district took a violent turn on Wednesday afternoon when a dispute between two contractor groups at the Hirri sand mine escalated into firing, leaving an innocent local youth seriously injured. The injured, Vikas Patle, was immediately taken to the Seoni District Hospital and later referred to Nagpur due to the severity of his injuries.
Innocent Youth Caught in Crossfire
Eyewitnesses reported that Vikas Patle had no involvement in the ongoing dispute. He was nearby when the gunfire broke out, and a bullet struck him, causing panic and chaos in the area. Locals rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that the bullet had hit a sensitive part of his body, putting him in critical condition. His family is reportedly devastated by the incident.
Background: Sand Mine Dispute Turns Violent
Sources from the area said that the clash erupted over the opening of a new sand mine at Imlitola, which had already caused days of tension between the rival contractor groups. On Wednesday, both groups arrived at the site, and a heated argument quickly escalated into gunfire. It remains unclear which side fired first.
Police Action Underway
The Ugli Police Station responded promptly to the incident, cordoning off the area and bringing the situation under control. Several suspects were taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing. Police have also seized vehicles and documents related to the sand mine. Officers are currently identifying the firearms and recording statements from both sides.
Heightened Tension and Additional Security
The firing caused widespread alarm in Imlitola and neighboring villages. To prevent further incidents, authorities have deployed additional police personnel. Villagers have demanded strict action against the sand mafia and called for a crackdown on ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
This incident highlights the growing law-and-order challenges linked to resource disputes and illegal mining in Madhya Pradesh.
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