A special operation by the joint forces to recover stolen and looted white stones in Sylhet has returned about 12,000 cubic feet of stones. The stones have been seized and thrown back into the river. Earlier, a truck loaded with stones was stopped on the road in a special operation by the joint forces.

On Wednesday (August 13), 12,000 cubic feet of illegally excavated stone were seized from the Kalairag area near Sadapathar in Companiganj upazila after midnight. In addition, the joint forces are conducting another operation by setting up a check post in front of the Sylhet Club on the Sylhet-Bholaganj road.

According to local sources, the district administration has intensified its operation to recover stolen stones from the Sadapathar area. During this time, 12,000 cubic feet of stones illegally extracted from the Kalairag area next to the Sadapathar were seized.

These stones have been re-thrown back into the river.

In addition, the power supply to several machines used for stone crushing in the Kalabari area was disconnected.

Meanwhile, the district said the operation will continue until the stolen stones are returned. Those involved in the theft will be identified and legal action will be taken.

Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar said, the district administration conducted the operation as part of a regular operation. The army helped maintain a peaceful situation during the operation. Since it is a border area, the army went as far as it could.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said, "We are coordinating with the administration to conduct operations and post checks to recover the stolen stones from the white stone quarry. Strict legal action is being taken against those involved in illegally extracting stones."

He said, "The joint forces' operation is ongoing in front of the Sylhet Club. We have zero tolerance to stop crime. Our main goal is to protect natural beauty."

Sylhet Additional District Magistrate Farzana Akhter Mita told, "Around 12,000 cubic feet of stone have been seized in a special operation by the joint forces to recover stolen and looted white stones. Our operation to recover the stolen stones is ongoing. Those involved in the theft will be identified and legal action will be taken."

Earlier, a drive was also conducted to prevent illegal stone and sand mining in Ballaghat, Jhumpahar and Zero Point areas of Jaflong in Sylhet's Gowainghat upazila from 1 pm to 4 pm on Wednesday. It was led by Assistant Commissioner of the District Administration, Polly Rani Deb.