Police informers on alert after illegal sand miners assault locals in Vellore district

Police sources told DT Next that informers spread all over the district have been alerted to provide intelligence on illegal sand mining. Besides, two special teams would undertake surprise checks at various locations in Ambur, Gudiyattam, Pernambut and Ranipet to keep the problem in check, they said.

In the latest arrest, a tractor owner and its driver were both brought to the books after the sand-laden vehicle ran over and killed two persons. The arrest was preceded by a road roko protest staged by relatives of the victims on the Kancheepuram district demanding action against the culprits. Since the situation turned worse, Superintendent of Police K Pravesh Kumar rushed to the spot and held talks with the protesters.

In another incident, Sankar, a resident of Minnur near Ambur, was assaulted when he objected to the lifting of sand from a patta land two days ago. Ironically, the assault coincided with Pravesh Kumar’s announcement of setting up a special team comprising 12 police personnel to tackle the problem.

Sankar who suffered a cut on his left thumb was treated at the Ambur Government Hospital. Subsequently, Ambur police arrested Samuel (29) of Sandror Kuppam and booked him under section 307 of the IPC (Attempt to Murder). According to sources, culprits have shifted their focus to farmlands, situated on the banks of the Palar at Minnur, Alankuppam, Palalakuppam and Devalapuram, after completely mining the river bed, which is now full of deep pits caused by incessant mining.

“They resort to threatening and coercion when farmers refuse to permit lifting of sand from their private land,” said a farmer of Alankuppam, seeking anonymity.

Nevertheless, the locals especially farmers have welcomed the belated police action against the sand mining mafia.