Thane, Jun 26 (PTI) Authorities on Wednesday seized and destroyed equipment used for illegal sand mining in Thane district.

The estimated value of the equipment amounts to Rs 24 lakh.

Also Read | Satta Matka Games: From Single to Jodi and Patti, What Are Different Types of Matka Betting Games? Are They Legal or Illegal?.

The crackdown was conducted by Bhiwandi sub-divisional office in the area spanning from Kalher to Kon, an official said.

Upon spotting the enforcement team, workers aboard a barge fled the scene. In an attempt to evade capture, the barge's hull was deliberately damaged, rendering it immobile and eventually submerged, he said.

Also Read | What Is Amazon OTP Scam? Know All About New Online Fraud and Ways to Protect Yourself From Scammers Posing as Amazon Customer Service or Delivery Agents.

Efforts to remove the suction pump from Kalher port using a boat were underway, with plans to dismantle and disable it permanently using gas cutters to prevent any future use for illegal activities, the official added.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)