Acting on a tip-off that of illegal sand business, a team comprising Additional Deputy Commissioner G N Nayak, tahsildar Dr Sudha, officers of Mines and Geology Department and Police personnel swooped down on the location - a  land near the banks of Uttara Pinakini and recovered three tractors and other equipment which were being used for filtering sand.

The team seized filtering equipment worth Rs 25,000  and pipes used for the filtering. Four such units were destroyed. The culprits, however, managed to escape from the spot.

Speaking to reporters, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nayak said that there were complaints from public on illegal sand business in Halaganahalli, Kadirenahalli, H Nagasandra, Hudooti and Nagaiah Reddy extensions as there is huge demand for sand in Bangalore.

On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner Anwar Pasha who paid surprise visit to Hanaganahalli and other villages warned of initiating action under Karnataka Land Revenue Act against people who mine sand in agricultural lands. The Deputy Commissioner expressed surprise that no officer has cared to visit and check sand mining in agricultural lands in the taluk even though the activity has been going on for the past ten years.

Officers cautioned

Farmers will be directed to retain their land for agriculture purpose through proper government machinery, without yielding to any political pressure. He also warned of initiating action against any officers found involved in mining sand in agricultural lands.

Officer of Mines and Geology Department Veerabhdrappa, CPI Srinivasamurthy, Rural Station Police Sub-Inspector Suresh, Town Station PSI Krishnappa and officers from the revenue department were present on the occasion.