PATNA, Dec. 10 -- Taking tough action against illegal sand mining, transportation and other illicit mineral activities, the Bihar government has introduced stricter penal provisions, raising the penalty for vehicle owners involved in such offences from Rs.8 lakh to Rs.10 lakh, and announcing cash rewards for those assisting in the arrest of offenders. Deputy chief minister Vijay Sinha, who holds the Mines and Geology portfolio, told reporters on Tuesday that chief minister Nitish Kumar had directed the department to ensure strict enforcement against illegal mining. Sinha reiterated that stringent monitoring would continue to curb illegal activities. He said e-transit passes (e-ravanas) were being thoroughly checked to ensure that no vehicle transports minerals without proper authorisation. "The policy and intent of the government are clear. We will eliminate the practice of illegal mining from the state," the Deputy CM said, adding that the mining department, in coordination with the police and civil administration, was conducting raids across the state to arrest offenders. "There will be no change in the mining policy. No offender or official involved in illegal mining or transportation will be spared. We have received many complaints that such practices were taking place with the connivance of SHOs of various police stations. Action will be taken against such cops. In Doriganj (Saran), around 3,000 truckloads of sand have been seized, which will be auctioned soon. The Home Department will be requested to increase police deployment to curb illegal mining. Against the target of Rs.1,555 crore in November, revenue of Rs.1,530 crore has been achieved," he added. The Mines and Geology Minister asserted that the department was committed to eliminating illegal mining. Media persons and social media influencers who assist authorities in catching offenders will be rewarded with Rs.10,000 for information on trucks and Rs.5,000 for tractors. "If they wish, we will also provide them certification as 'Bihari Yoddhas' (Warriors of Bihar). However, if they prefer, we will maintain complete confidentiality of their identity to shield them from any 'negative influences' of criminal elements," the Deputy CM said. Sinha informed that after a meeting with District Magistrate Thiyagrajan SM and Patna SSP Kartikey K. Sharma, a raid was conducted near Patliputra Rail Complex (Digha), during which 28 tractors used in illegal sand trade were seized. FIRs have been registered against the tractor owners and action will be taken under Rules 56A and 56B of the Bihar Minerals (Concession, Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation & Storage) Rules, 2019. A cumulative fine of Rs.32 lakh will be imposed on the seized vehicles. A similar raid in the Chandi police station area of Bhojpur district led to the seizure of nine tractor-trolleys. Meanwhile, social worker Manindra Kumar Tinku said that despite repeated court orders, the government had failed to curb illegal mining. "People involved in illegal mining are heavyweights, including politicians, police officers, big corporate players, bureaucrats, etc. Hundreds of overloaded trucks carrying illegally extracted sand pass through state highways, but police and mining department officials remain mute spectators," Manindra alleged....