A surprise raid carried out by Collector K. Rajamani in the early hours of Monday led to the detection of illegal sand mining on the banks of Cauvery at Keezha Karaikadu in Kattuputhur near Musiri.
A total of 13 lorries were seized and three persons were arrested. Acting on a tip-off, Mr. Rajamani along with armed police personnel visited the spot at around 1 a.m.
He found a number of lorries and two wheelers stationed there for loading sand. While some lorries were loaded with sand, others were waiting for their turn to load.
ADVERTISEMENT
The sand was allegedly mined illegally from the Cauvery river and stocked at a nearby location.
On seeing the Collector, revenue officials and police personnel, the drivers, loadmen and those involved in the illegal activity fled from the scene and abandoned the vehicles.
However, the police managed to detain three drivers. They were identified as Kannan, Mahendran and Vimal of Thottiyam.
ADVERTISEMENT
Later, the lorries and bikes were brought to the Kattuputhur police station. Enquiries were on to identify those involved in the illegal sand mining activity.
The seizure of lorries assumed significance in the backdrop of Madurai Bench of Madras High Court stay on operation of sand quarries in the Cauvery and Coleroon rivers.
It was alleged that illegal sand mining along the banks of Cauvery in Thottiyam and Kattuputhur areas have been taking place for quite some time particularly after the court stay.
The illegal operators, so as to cash in on the huge demand for sand, have been indulging in the activities in the night hours. Loads were being sent to far flung areas including Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem and others.