K. C. Palanisamy, DMK MLA from Aravakurichi in Karur district, was arrested on charges of illegal sand mining and threatening a public servant.
Following a complaint from the Mayanur Village Administrative Officer, the Neelamegam police initiated action against him. Sources said the VAO had preferred a complaint that Mr. Palanisamy, a former MP, indulged in illegal sand quarrying between December 1, 2009 and May 13, 2011 at a reach near Mayanur in the Cauvery.
The VAO alleged that when he had tried to stop the illegal activity Mr. Palanisamy allegedly threatened him with dire consequences, coerced and prevented him from discharging his duties.
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Acting on the VAO's complaint now, the police picked up Mr. Palanisamy and questioned him.
Mr. Palanisamy has been charged with offences under Section 147, 353 and 506 (i) of IPC (pertaining to rioting, assault or use of criminal force with a view to deterring public servant from discharging duty and criminal intimidation), Sec. 3 (i) of Damage to Public Property Act, Sec. 4 (i), 4 (i) (a) and 21 (i) of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act of 1957 and Rule 36 (A) of Minor Minerals Concession Rules of 1959.
Mr. Palanisamy was produced before the Kulithalai Judicial Magistrate II Dhanasekaran and remanded to 15 days judicial custody. Later he was lodged in Central Prison, Tiruchi.
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