Sada Pathor Stripped Bare: Sylhet Authorities Launch Probe into Massive Stone Looting

A sweeping investigation has been launched in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila after large-scale looting of stones at the popular tourist destination Sada Pathor left the area nearly barren. The district administration formed a committee on August 12, headed by an additional deputy commissioner, to uncover the scope and cause of the illegal extraction.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Sher Mahbub Murad confirmed the probe and described the incident as deeply regrettable. He stated that the committee has been instructed to submit its findings promptly, and that enforcement drives are already underway to prevent further damage.

The looting, which began in the wake of a political shift on August 5 last year, escalated dramatically in late July when monsoon floods washed down large quantities of stone from the Meghalaya hills. Thousands of laborers descended on the site, extracting stones daily while hundreds of boats transported them away. The operation continued openly until August 11, despite earlier crackdowns by the administration and military forces.

Locals claim the area has been stripped of its natural beauty, with stones worth hundreds of crores allegedly stolen. Sand and soil from the riverbanks were also taken, leaving behind pits and desolation where crystal-clear waters once flowed.