A massive quantity of stones, looted from Sylhet`s popular tourist spot Sada Pathor (White Stone), has been discovered hidden underground.
The district administration seized the stones on Friday (August 15) during a raid in the Kalabari area of Companiganj Upazila, Sylhet.
Another 45,000 cubic feet of stone were recovered during day-long raids in various locations across Companiganj.
This brings the total amount recovered over the last two days to nearly one lakh cubic feet.
Of the recovered stones, 50% have already been returned to Sada Pathor, with the rest in the process of being replaced.
The Sylhet District Administration`s media cell confirmed the information on Friday night. Md. Masud Rana, Assistant Commissioner of the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner`s office (Confidential Branch, Media Cell), stated, "We have seized approximately 45,000 cubic feet of stone during raids in various parts of Companiganj on Friday.
The seized stones are being returned to Sada Pathor. Since Wednesday midnight, a total of nearly one lakh cubic feet of stone has been seized up until Friday afternoon."
Meanwhile, businessmen are attempting to hide the looted stones from Sada Pathor in new ways. Upon receiving a tip, the district administration conducted a raid in the Kalabari area of Companiganj Upazila on Friday, where they found a large amount of stone buried under the soil.
Seven truckloads of these seized stones have been returned to Sada Pathor. Another estimated 5,000 cubic feet have also been seized and are in the process of being returned to the tourist area.
After the raid in Kalabari, Mahmud Ashik Kabir, Senior Assistant Commissioner of the Deputy Commissioner`s office (Revenue Branch, District Branding and Tourism Cell), said, "Crusher owners in the Kalabari area have been stockpiling stones underground. Seven truckloads of stone from that site have been returned to Sada Pathor`s zero point. Another approximately 5,000 cubic feet of stone are currently seized and will be returned to Sada Pathor on Saturday."
Comment :