4 cases in 15 days; more than 20 accused arrested

Illegal sand mining cases on the rise

Kota: The number of cases regarding illegal sand mining and quarrying are increasing by the day and based on the complaints from the locals, the police are conducting raids at such locations.

In the last 15 days, 4 cases have been booked with the station limits and more than 20 accused have been arrested. Yet there remain many locations where the illegal activity is being carried. On the early morning of Mar 22^nd, a joint raid was conducted by the police and revenue department at a location at Hangarakatte in Baludru village where illegal sand mining was being conducted in Sita River. During the raid the officials seized sand and an accused. But soon, the accused identified as Manju successfully escaped from the grip of the police in the station itself.

In another case on Mar 3^rd, a late night raid was conducted on an illegal sand mining unit in Molehalli Kailkere under the leadership of SP Nisha James who was acting on the information provided by the locals along with Karkala ASP Krishnakant who led a special team for the raid. During the raid, the police seized 10 boats, 1 lorry, 2 cars and more than 20 accused were arrested including the workers employed to take out the sand.

On Mar 13^th, the police conducted a raid on a sand mining unit at Billadi near Banneralakatte which was functioning without the necessary permits. During the raid, the police seized the sand and the tempo which was being used to transport the sand. However, the driver and the workers successfully escaped from the location on seeing the police.

On Mar 22^nd, police conducted a raid on a black stone quarry at Nailady and sized lorry, compressor and equipment used for mining. A case has been registered against one accused.

Recurring cases

From 2017 till date, more than 10 raids have been conducted at various locations within Molehalli GP limits in connection to illegal sand mining and more than 23 boats have been seized. Now, huge load of boats can be seen at the premises of Kota station. Besides, even more raids have been conducted at many locations in regard to illegal mining. But the illegal activities have not stopped.

It is being said that such activities occur more in rural areas and in some villages, since the police station is situated quite far from the location where the illegal activity is conducted, it is challenging to put an end to it.

Give complaint; will take action

The department is taking all sorts of action to prevent illegal activities. Localites must inform Mines officials and police of any illegal activity occurring within the vicinity of their residence. If the local officers fail to stop the illegal activity, a proper district level team will be appointed to take action, assure the officials from the police and mines departments.

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