Ajay Hari’s luxury assets seized after sand smuggling bust

Following the arrest of sand‑mafia don Ajay Hari in West Burdwan, senior officials of the Asansol‑Durgapur Police Commissionerate released an inventory of the suspect’s material holdings. The list includes several residential properties, a collection of luxury cars, tractors, dump trucks, sand‑extraction machinery and a fleet of JCB excavators.

Investigators also uncovered Hari’s involvement in the brick‑kiln sector and the operation of a privately funded ashram, assets that were allegedly funded by the proceeds of illegal sand trafficking. The police noted a dramatic increase in his wealth after the 2011 change of government, coinciding with closer links to Trinamool leaders.

The newly elected BJP government has emphasized that no political affiliation will excuse environmental violations. In a public statement, a senior police officer asserted that the crackdown will extend to all members of the racket, with a focus on confiscating illegally acquired wealth.

The upcoming court hearing at Durgapur Sub‑Divisional Court is expected to address both the criminal charges and the legal process for seizing the assets. The case marks a crucial moment in West Bengal’s broader effort to curb illegal mining and the corruption that often accompanies it.