JCB driver held for putting revenue officer’s life at risk during raid

Nagpur: A JCB owner-driver accused of illegally excavating murrum in Kuhi taluka was arrested after allegedly endangering the life of a revenue official during a late-night raid at Mouza Bori (Naik) on May 5.The accused, Ayur Thote, was arrested by Veltur police on May 6 after a chase in which the JCB allegedly kept moving for nearly 3km despite repeated warnings from revenue officials. According to district officials, naib tehsildar Buddhbhushan Nikhalje caught Thote allegedly excavating murrum illegally during a crackdown. Officials said Nikhalje climbed onto the JCB to seize the vehicle and stop the operation, but the accused allegedly continued driving recklessly, putting the officer's life at risk.District collector Kumar Ashirwad termed the incident a serious attack on a govt official on duty. He praised Nikhalje's courage and ordered intensified action against illegal excavation and transportation of murrum and soil across the district.Ashirwad also convened an urgent review meeting on Wednesday with senior revenue officials, including additional district collector Pravin Mahire, resident deputy collector Anup Khande, sub-divisional officers and district mining officer Atul Dod. He directed officials to continue strict enforcement drives against illegal mining and transport activities in rural areas.Police booked Thote under BNS and Maharashtra Land Revenue Code.