The upazila administration conducted a late-night অভিযান against the illegal cutting of agricultural topsoil in Satkania, Chattogram, seizing a truck and an excavator and fining two individuals.

The mobile court was carried out from 12:00am to 3:00am on Friday based on information provided by the Chattogram district unit of the NSI. The drives were conducted in Bonikpara area under Keochia union and Noyakhal area under Nalua union.

According to the mobile court sources, fertile topsoil from croplands had been illegally excavated and sold at different locations for a long time. During the drive, one truck and one excavator were seized. Additionally, seven more excavators were completely destroyed on the spot to prevent further illegal activities.

Two individuals — Ehsanul Kabir and Mohammad Anwar — were detained and later fined a total of Tk 40,000 under the relevant sections of the Balumahal and Soil Management Act, 2010.

The operation was led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shamchuzzaman. Members of the Satkania Police Station, Bangladesh Army and Ansar assisted in maintaining law and order during the drive.

The upazila administration said that cutting agricultural topsoil poses a serious threat to the environment and crop production, adding that such drives will continue regularly in the future.