A dramatic confrontation took place late Friday night at the Lodhi mining barrier in Sonbhadra district’s Robertsganj Kotwali area when truck drivers allegedly carrying illegal minerals attempted to run over an inspection team.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on September 12, when Mineral Department surveyor Yogesh Shukla and a police team were conducting routine checks at the barrier.

According to reports, several truck drivers without valid permits tried to evade inspection by breaking through barricades at high speed. The drivers allegedly attempted to crush the surveyor and accompanying police personnel, forcing them to run for their lives.

In response, police resorted to stone pelting to stop the vehicles. The entire incident was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage and debate.

Following the surveyor’s complaint, Robertsganj Kotwali police registered a case against the truck drivers under multiple sections, including obstruction of government duty. Authorities have launched an operation to trace and seize the trucks involved in the illegal mining activities.

Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Meena has ordered a departmental inquiry into the viral video, while City Circle Officer Randhir Mishra confirmed that the police action, including the stone pelting, is under investigation.

The incident has divided public opinion, with some supporting the police’s quick response as a necessary measure to prevent a potential tragedy, while others criticised stone pelting as an inappropriate method.

The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against both the truck drivers responsible for the attack and anyone found guilty of misconduct during the incident.