Joint Forces Recover 12,000 Cubic Feet of Stolen Stones in Sylhet

In a late-night crackdown on illegal stone extraction, joint forces recovered approximately 12,000 cubic feet of stolen stones from the renowned tourist destination ‘Shada Pathor’ (White Stone) in Sylhet.

The stones, unlawfully removed from the banks of the Dhalai River, were being transported to other locations when authorities intercepted multiple trucks loaded with the loot. Acting swiftly, the forces seized the stones and returned them to their original site.

The operation, launched just after midnight on Wednesday (August 13), was carried out under the supervision of the Sylhet district administration, with coordinated support from law enforcement agencies. Recovery efforts continued throughout the night, targeting multiple points along the riverbank where stolen stones had been stockpiled or loaded for transport.

According to officials, the stones were re-deposited into the river at Shada Pathor to restore the site’s natural landscape. Several vehicles suspected of being involved in the smuggling operation were also detained for investigation.

Earlier in the evening, an emergency coordination meeting was convened at the Sylhet Circuit House by the divisional and district administrations. The meeting resolved to station joint security forces in the Shada Pathor area on a round-the-clock basis to deter future theft and protect the environmentally and economically important site.

Shada Pathor, located in Companiganj upazila, is a popular tourist attraction known for its pristine white stones, scenic river views, and surrounding hills. However, in recent years, it has faced repeated threats from illegal stone extraction, which not only depletes natural resources but also poses risks to the local ecosystem and tourism industry.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting those involved in stone theft and urged the public to report suspicious activities in and around Shada Pathor. Officials stressed that safeguarding natural resources is essential both for environmental preservation and for sustaining livelihoods dependent on tourism in the Sylhet region.