Tahsildar intercepts sand carrying tractors after a chase

Recovered good estimated worth Rs 15 lakh

In a swift operation, around 250 lorry loads of sand estimated worth Rs 15 lakh that had been illegally lifted from Shimsha river  bed was seized by a team of officials led by tahsildar V Nagaraju on Tuesday night.

The tahsildar on his way to the place spotted two tractors that were illegally transporting the sand from Kothanahalli  and followed it in his jeep.

Knowing that they are being followed the tractor drivers tried to escape from the spot, but was later intercepted after chasing it for more than three kilometres. However, the drivers succeeded in fleeing from the scene.

Now, reserve police force has been deployed at the spot and more than 40 additional accountants and officials are being appointed to prevent the illegal activities.

Deputy commissioner Dr P C Jaffer, superintendent of police Koushalendrakumar, assistant commissioner Rangappa and Dy SP Uthappa visited the place.

Speaking to the newspaper, DC Jaffer said though section 144 is in place near Shimsha river, the miscreants have been illegally involved in sand mining. The land owners where the sand is being stored would be identified and criminal action taken.

SP Koushalendra Kumar said the department will take action on those who have stored sand illegally near their houses, roadsides, lands and additional cops would be deployed for the purpose.

Three held
Three persons hailing from Uttar Pradesh who were lifting sand near Taggahalli bridge near Koppa were arrested. They have been identified as Devu, Deepu and Dinesh.

Upon interrogation they revealed that around more labourers will be arriving from Bihar to work as labourers at Shimsha river premises for lifting sand. The SP directed Dy SP Uthappa to find out the persons who are involved in the illegal trade bringing labourers from outside the state. The tractors were seized and Besagarahalli police have registered a case.