BARDIBAS: Hundreds of locals held a torch rally at Bhangaha Municipality in Mahottari district yesterday evening protesting against rampant extraction of sand and pebbles from local Ratu river and Nadikaus area. Total 19 crusher industries are operating at the banks of Ratu river. Some of locals have accused the local representatives of providing protection to crusher operators.

A monitoring team from the District Coordination Committee had found most of the crusher industries in the area operating illegally. “The team found most of crusher industries operating illegally . But no efforts are made to remove them,” said Mukunda Dahal, vice chairperson of Bhangaha Rural Municipality.