3 fined Rs 10,000 each for smuggling sand

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Forest department officials rushed to the spot and took into custody three men, who were identified as Murthy, Kanagaraj and Nagaraj, all hailing from Kulikaadu area. 

The accused had reportedly scooped out sand around a trench dug out along the forest boundary to prevent entry of wild elephants into the residential settlements in Perianaickenpalayam forest range. They had nearly filled up the tractor and were about to leave when the Forest officials reached the spot and caught them around 6.30 am. 

“Trespassing in the forest cover is also an offence, besides smuggling sand. Once the soil was removed along the trench, it would easily pave way for elephants to cross over into residential neighbourhoods and might also escalate man-animal conflicts,” said a Forest department official.

The Forest department booked the three accused and also seized their tractor, which they used to carry the smuggled sand. The Forest officials have also enhanced vigil along the forest boundary to prevent similar incidents of sand smuggling.