HC directs action against cops aiding illegal extraction of water

A division bench comprising Justice S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad offered the direction based on a report submitted by the Advocate Commissioner L Chandrakumar, about Palvanthangal Inspector M Nataraj and another inspector Shanker attached to the IS wing, working in tandem with him, in aiding such illegal extraction of ground water.

Based on a plea moved by R K Ilayaraja that five persons-Soundararajan, Nagarajan, Sundar, Elumalai and Yuvaraj-have indulged in illegal extraction of ground water in and around Nanganallur and Palavanthangal from their respective lands throughout the day, the bench had appointed Chandrakumar as advocate Commissioner, to inspect the places as cited by the petitioner and submit a report.

It may be noted that Natarajan in a report to the court based on an earlier direction that an inspection was held and there is no illegal tapping of ground water as alleged by the petitioner and the extracted water is used only for household purpose.

However, the advocate commissioner in a report submitted on Thursday, which was backed with photographs, said it was under the supervision of Nataraj and Shanker that illegal extraction commences and that around 250 to 300 trips of these water tankers which were carrying full load of between 3000 to 6000 litres is being plied every day.

Moreover, all the three borewells in Nanganallur are utilising agricultural electricity supply. The advocate commissioner also noted that one of the member’s child who had addressed the complaint to the police was hit by a car and was threatened with serious consequences and another person was axed with a crowbar.

But to all these happenings the said inspector was a mute spectator and is also joining hands with these hooligans and henchmen indulging in illegal extraction of water for commercial purposes.

The bench during the hearing also wondered as to how illegal extraction of ground water happening in Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur districts are being allowed and despite adequate powers with the district administration none of the vehicles being used in the transport of illegally extracted water are being seized.