THENI
Theni district police arrested two persons in two different cases of sand smuggling on Sunday.
M. Gopal, 28, of Kottur, was allegedly smuggling one unit of sand removed from Mullaiperiyar riverbed in a tractor under Veerapandi police station limits, when the police, who were on their night rounds, caught him. The police arrested him and booked him under the Mines and Minerals Act.
Andipatti police during night rounds arrested M. Virumanathan, 42, of Vaigaipudur in Andipatti, who was allegedly smuggling red sand from Ethakoil tank near Bodidasanpatti. The police also seized the tipper lorry in which he was transporting three units of sand.
The police said so far this year, they had arrested 169 people involved in 149 cases of sand smuggling. They had seized 164 vehicles – 62 tractors, 15 tipper lorries, five earthmovers, 60 bullock carts, 22 two and four-wheelers. This month, the police had arrested 27 persons involved in 23 cases of sand smuggling and seized 28 vehicles – 13 tractors, two tipper lorries, one earthmover, nine bullock carts and three bikes and cars.
Superintendent of Police P V. Baskaran appreciated the police personnel for their swift action. He also warned of severe action against those involved in sand smuggling.
