Revenue Officials Seize Heavy Machinery in Illegal Mining Raid in Virar East

The revenue department conducted a major enforcement operation on Friday against illegal stone excavation occurring on forest department land in Bhatpada, Virar East. Acting on confidential information, a team led by Vasai Tehsildar Deepak Gaikwad and circle officials raided the site on the morning of October 16 around 6:30 AM.

Upon the arrival of the revenue team, workers abandoned the site. The department seized substantial equipment including 15 Hywa trucks used for stone transportation, 5 Poclain machines, and 1 JCB. Preliminary investigations identified Majid Baloch as the operator of the illegal excavation.

The revenue department stated that no government permission existed for the excavation activity. All seized machinery has been confiscated, and authorities are proceeding with formal case registration and punitive action against those involved. The operation is part of a broader campaign by the revenue department to curb unauthorized stone excavation and transportation without permits across Vasai-Virar.