Durga Shakti Nagpal is a well-known IAS officer who gained attention for her actions against illegal sand mining in Uttar Pradesh. She joined the Indian Administrative Service in 2010 and was assigned to the Uttar Pradesh cadre. In 2013, while serving as a sub-divisional magistrate in Gautam Buddha Nagar, she led raids to stop illegal sand mining. This illegal activity was causing severe environmental damage and financial losses. Her efforts resulted in the arrest of more than 90 individuals and the recovery of around Rs 150 crore in fines ( Wikipedia ) ( The Better India ) . Her strict enforcement led to controversy, and she was suspended in July 2013 over allegations that she demolished a wall of an under-construction mosque. Many believed this suspension was politically motivated to disrupt her crackdown on illegal mining. Public outcry and support from her colleagues led to the lifting of her suspension after about 1.5 months ( Wikipedia ) ( The Better India ) . Ap...