Illegal earth-excavation equipment seized, 22 arrested

GAZIPUR, 22 January — In a significant law enforcement action in Kapasia Upazila, a joint task force has seized multiple heavy vehicles and machinery involved in unauthorised earth excavation, while detaining 22 individuals in connection with the illegal activity. The suspects have subsequently been handed over to the Kapasia Police Station, and two separate cases have been filed.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, spanned three distinct areas within the upazila. Authorities reported that heavy machinery, including excavators and transport vehicles, were being used without proper permits to remove soil from agricultural land — an activity that is both illegal and environmentally damaging. The joint forces acted swiftly to halt the operations, confiscating the equipment and taking the operators into custody.

Speaking to the press, Officer-in-Charge Shahinur Alam of Kapasia Police Station confirmed that the detainees were initially interrogated at the scene. Following preliminary questioning, they were formally handed over to the police station for further investigation. “The individuals involved have been presented before the court, and legal proceedings are now underway,” he stated.

The items confiscated during the operation are listed as follows:

This operation reflects the authorities’ increased vigilance against illegal land modification and unauthorised resource extraction, particularly in areas where agricultural lands are being exploited for profit. Local residents reportedly welcomed the crackdown, citing longstanding concerns over environmental degradation and disruption to farming activities caused by unregulated earth removal.

Law enforcement officials have emphasised that they will continue to conduct similar operations to safeguard public land and agricultural resources. The filing of two separate cases highlights the seriousness with which the matter is being treated, and authorities have urged community members to report any suspicious activity involving soil excavation or the misuse of heavy machinery.