Cops tighten noose against illegal sand-mining

With the Cauvery basin in the district turning out to be a safe haven for illegal sand mining, the district police have tightened measures to check the illegal activity. For the past eight months, a total of 325 lorries have been seized with four criminal cases booked against the transport operators. The fine realised is Rs 22.95 lakh.

Explaining about the measures taken, SP Abhinav Khare said that following instructions from the State Government to act sternly in such cases, dedicated squads are being deployed at certain junctions and checkposts to monitor the sand lorries. The squads comprise 42 police personnel having knowledge of such activities. They have been drawn from various other stations in the district.

The SP said that on an average, seven to eight lorries are seized per day. After the vehicles are seized, they are referred to the office of senior geologist for further action.The fine is levied in the range of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

Answering to media queries, the SP denied that there was any political influence in dealing against the illegal sand mining. However, there is a rising demand for sand from Bangalore and other places, and there could be a rise in the illegal activity. But this was expected to come down by increase lifting points, said the SP.