A short video from Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh showing police personnel pelting stones at trucks during a late-night mineral check has gone viral and prompted immediate departmental action. The clip — roughly 20–30 seconds long — captured a tense scene near the Lohdi toll barrier in Robertsganj and has reignited debate about use-of-force, illegal mining and policing methods in the region.
What happened — a clear sequence
On the night in question, a joint team from the Mines Department and local police were carrying out routine inspections of mineral-carrying trucks at the Lodhi (Lohdi) barrier near the Lohdi toll plaza, Robertsganj. Around 11:30–11:40 pm, three trucks reportedly did not stop for checks and allegedly attempted to speed through the barricade. Mines Department surveyor Yogesh Shukla later lodged a complaint saying the trucks tried to run over inspection staff. In the resulting chaos, some policemen were seen picking up and throwing stones to stop the moving vehicles; several windshields were reportedly damaged.
Official response and disciplinary action
Sonbhadra police took swift administrative steps after the video circulated. The district police confirmed an internal probe: three head constables identified in the footage were suspended, and the in-charge of Robertsganj police station, Gopalji Gupta, was reassigned (“sent to lines”) pending further investigation. Officials say a case has been registered based on the surveyor’s complaint and departmental proceedings are ongoing.
Why this matters: context on illegal mining and safety
Sonbhadra has long faced challenges related to illegal mineral extraction and evasion of regulation. Officers conducting inspections often confront hostile drivers and overloaded trucks at odd hours — situations that can escalate quickly. Local authorities maintain they are trying to curb illegal transportation of minerals, while critics argue that officers must follow lawful, proportionate methods instead of ad-hoc actions such as stone pelting.
What the video shows (and what it doesn’t)
The viral video offers a brief, partial snapshot: policemen throwing stones, voices shouting “stop them,” and trucks moving through. The footage alone does not fully establish motive, chain of command, or whether alternative crowd-control tools were available. That is why officials have registered both a complaint against the truck drivers and an internal case to probe police conduct. Longer investigations — including witness statements, vehicle tracking and examination of permits — will be needed to build a complete factual record.
Public reaction and legal questions
Social media responses split: some users defended the police, saying the team faced imminent danger from drivers allegedly trying to run over officials; others condemned the method as unlawful and risky. Legal experts note that police use of force must be reasonable, necessary and in accordance with departmental rules; throwing stones at moving vehicles raises safety and liability concerns and could expose personnel to departmental or criminal consequences if found unjustified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where did the incident take place?
Near the Lohdi (Lohdi) toll barrier, Lodhi area, Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
2. When did it happen?
Around 11:30–11:40 pm (the night the joint inspection was carried out).
3. Who filed the complaint?
Mines Department surveyor Yogesh Shukla filed a formal complaint after the incident.
4. How many police personnel faced action?
Three head constables were suspended; the Robertsganj station in-charge was reassigned pending inquiry.
5. Were the trucks carrying illegal minerals?
Local reports allege the trucks were being checked for permits; investigation is ongoing to establish legality.
6. Was anyone injured?
Media reports primarily mention property damage (damaged windshields); no widely confirmed reports of fatalities at the time of reporting.
7. Has any FIR been registered?
Yes — a case was registered based on the surveyor’s complaint; investigations are continuing.
8. Is stone pelting an approved police tactic?
No formal police manual endorses stone pelting; use of force should follow prescribed rules and proportionality standards. The incident’s propriety is under departmental review.
9. Will the suspended personnel be reinstated?
That depends on the outcome of the internal departmental inquiry and any legal proceedings; no final decision has been reported yet.
10. How common are clashes during mineral inspections in UP?
Encounters between inspection teams and those involved in illegal extraction or transport have occurred in various districts; Sonbhadra has seen multiple disputes related to mining enforcement historically.
11. Where can I watch the video?
Short clips have circulated on social platforms and news outlets; several outlets have posted the clip referenced in news reports.
Conclusion
The Sonbhadra stone-pelting episode underscores two persistent problems: the challenges officials face when confronting suspected illegal mining, and the imperative that police conduct remain lawful and proportionate. The viral video sparked disciplinary action and an official probe — a necessary step toward accountability. As investigators review footage and statements, a balanced inquiry should determine whether the police response was an emergency measure under threat or an improper act that demands stricter accountability. For now, the case remains under investigation and further updates are expected from Sonbhadra authorities.
Report by Toofan Express