Kanpur: A man and his family were attacked by members of an alleged mining mafia for complaining against illegal mining activity in Sachendi village, late Sunday night. The accused beat family members with sticks and lathis, vandalised vehicles and fired about 20 rounds, said police. A car and a motorcycle parked outside the house were vandalised.The attackers arrived in several vehicles along with their associates and launched the assault, spreading panic throughout the village. The victim managed to escape the attackers.Police force from several stations reached the scene and took the victim’s family to the police station, where the victim submitted a written complaint against the accused. Police said some of the accused were taken into custody.Atul Singh, resident of Kaindha village, said mining mafia from nearby villages were carrying out mining on gram samaj land in his village, creating pits 14 to 15 feet deep. The pits, he alleged, posed a risk to livestock and villagers of falling into them. He said he filed a complaint with police and administrative officials a few days ago, but no action was taken, and the accused began harbouring a grudge against him.He said late Sunday night, about 25-30 people arrived in six vehicles, armed with sticks, lathis and weapons and hurled abuses while vandalising his car and motorcycle parked outside his house. He said the attackers severely beat his brother, mother and others with sticks and lathis and opened fire at him, and with difficulty he managed escaped.Following information from villagers, ACP Panki Manoj Kumar Singh, Sachendi police station in charge Deenanath Mishra and circle force reached the spot. The ACP said six people were taken into custody and added that a case would be registered and action taken on the basis of the victim’s written complaint.
