Sand mafia assaults Pandavapura AC

Pandavapura assistant commissioner of police was injured after one of the men illegally transporting sand attacked him here on Monday.

Assistant Commissioner H L Nagaraju, upon receiving a tip-off that filter sand was being extracted at Chikkabyadarahalli, Kanaganamaradi, Tirumalapura, Vadesamudra and surrounding villages, launched a raid, along with his staff, at 5 am. He seized a lorry laden with sand even as the extractors fled.

When Nagaraju was returning to the town, a Scorpio car and two motorbikes followed his vehicle. He alerted police sub-inspector Ayyanagowda who rushed to the spot and seized the vehicles.

Later, when the SI was on his way back, he noticed five sand-laden bullock-carts coming towards Dr Rajkumar Circle. On being informed, Nagaraju arrived at the spot and directed the carts towards the mini Vidhana Soudha.

This led to heated arguments between the bullock-cart owners and the two cops. It was at this juncture that one Siddegowda allegedly assaulted Nagaraju, injuring his fingers.

Cases have been filed against Siddegowda, who assaulted the AC, and Krishnegowda of Chikkabyadarahalli, who was involved in sand extraction. They have been sent to judicial custody till December 28.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Superintendent of Police Bushan Borase said cases had been booked against Devaraju, Brahmesh, Suresh and Sharath, who were involved in the illegal sand trade.

Protest
Members of Government Employees Association staged a protest near the mini Vidhana Soudha, condemning the attack on Assistant Commissioner Nagaraju. They also submitted a memorandum seeking action against the guilty.