JCB and Tractor Owners Among Those Arrested; Vehicle Used in Illegal Mining Seized
Jaipur, September 27: Police in Chhoti Sadri have arrested five more people allegedly involved in illegal mining in connection with the murder of Forest Ranger Pratap Singh Chundawat, who was allegedly run over by a dumper while trying to stop illegal mining activities.
The arrests include a JCB and tractor owner, a JCB operator, two tractor operators and a person allegedly involved in getting soil loaded through illegal mining. Police have also seized a tractor allegedly used in the illegal mining activity.
The action was carried out by a team formed under the leadership of Chhoti Sadri police station officer Kailash Chandra, under the direction of District Superintendent of Police Vishal Jangid and the guidance of Additional SP Jaidev Siyag and Chhoti Sadri Circle Officer Rameshwarlal.
Ranger Allegedly Killed by Dumper
According to the police, on the night of September 21, 2026, Ranger Pratap Singh Chundawat reached the Sukkar forest area near Mohanpura Talai along with a Forest Department team after receiving information about illegal mining.
Police said mining activity was being carried out there using a JCB, tractor and dumper. When the team attempted to stop the vehicles, the alleged illegal miners reportedly abused the officials, pushed them and obstructed them in the discharge of their official duties.
During the incident, a dumper loaded with soil allegedly fled from the spot. Ranger Pratap Singh followed the vehicle. According to police, when the dumper was stopped on the Ghati Wale Balaji Temple Road, its driver allegedly deliberately drove the vehicle over the ranger, killing him.
A case was registered on September 22 on the basis of a report submitted by Forest Guard Suresh, and an investigation was launched.
Police Trace Other People Linked to Illegal Mining
During the investigation, police inspected the crime scene and collected relevant evidence. On September 25, the main accused, Kanhaiyalal alias Kanha (22), was arrested and taken on police remand.
During further investigation, police identified the alleged roles of the owners of the JCB and tractor used in the illegal mining operation and other people associated with the activity.
Five more accused were subsequently arrested on Sunday. They have been identified as Prakash Dhakad (42), a JCB and tractor owner from Mohanpura; Harish Dhakad (19), a JCB operator; Vikram Mogya (18), a tractor operator from Pithalwadi Khurd; Dinesh Mogya (34) of Pithalwadi Khurd, who allegedly arranged for soil to be loaded through illegal mining; and Narayan Meena (25), a JCB operator from Akhepur Kalakhet.
Police have seized a tractor allegedly used in the illegal mining activity.
The arrested accused will be produced before a court on Monday, where police will seek their remand. Further investigation into the case is underway.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.