Forest guard killed by sand mafia in MP, supreme court to hear matter urgently

The killing of a forest guard in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly by illegal sand miners, has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court of India, which has agreed to hear the matter on an urgent basis next week.

The incident occurred in Morena district, where a 35-year-old forest guard, identified as Harkesh Gurjar, was run over by a tractor-trolley while attempting to stop the illegal transportation of sand. The vehicle, reportedly linked to illegal mining operations, did not halt and fatally crushed the guard on duty.

The issue was raised before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta during the hearing of an ongoing suo motu case concerning illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary. The application was filed by the court-appointed amicus curiae, highlighting the gravity of the recent incident and urging early intervention.

Taking note of the submission, the bench agreed to list the matter for hearing on April 13, ahead of its previously scheduled date. The court also observed that similar serious incidents have been reported, indicating a troubling pattern of violence linked to illegal mining activities.

The National Chambal Sanctuary, spread across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is a crucial habitat for several endangered species, including the gharial and the Ganges river dolphin. The apex court has, in earlier hearings, expressed strong concern over rampant illegal sand mining in the region, warning of severe ecological damage and threats to wildlife.

Previously, the court had also criticised administrative lapses and termed illegal mining networks as “dacoits,” noting that attacks on government officials by such groups were not uncommon.

The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on accountability, enforcement measures, and enhanced protection for forest personnel engaged in curbing illegal activities.