Forest ranger killed during illegal mining intervention in Rajasthan

A forest ranger, Pratap Singh Chundawat, was killed in Rajasthan while attempting to stop illegal mining operations. The incident occurred late Monday night in the Chhoti Sadri police station area of the Pratapgarh district.

According to officials, Chundawat and a forest guard responded to reports of illegal soil excavation involving a JCB near a pond. As the ranger attempted to intercept a dumper loaded with soil on his motorcycle, the vehicle allegedly struck his bike and dragged him approximately 50 metres. The drivers of both the dumper and the JCB fled the scene following the collision.

Chundawat was transported to Chhoti Sadri hospital and later transferred to a district hospital in Nimbahera, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The Supreme Court of India has previously addressed the issue of illegal mining in protected areas, specifically regarding the National Chambal Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for increased field-level enforcement and recruitment of forest officials to protect natural resources.