Anti-sand mining campaigner beaten to death in Ramnad

The deceased was identified as P Mohan, a resident of Elamanur. The incident occurred around 5 pm when Mohan along with three others, who accompanied him, picked up quarrel with those lifting sand from Puluthikulam near Elamanur. They objected to the mining operation stating that their license permit had expired recently and that the culprits were mining sand beyond prescribed limits.

Subsequently, the issue was taken to the knowledge of the contractor, who got a permit order from government authorities. Agitated over the development, a gang of five persons after reaching the spot assaulted Mohan and his accomplices.

While Mohan fell unconscious and succumbed to his injuries on the spot, the others were later admitted to the Ramanathapuram Government Hospital. The gang then took Mohan’s body and left it in the Ramnad GH before fleeing the spot.

Angered by his death, relatives of the deceased person blocked vehicular traffic plying opposite the Government Hospital for nearly an hour demanding immediate arrest of the accused.

Sources said the contractor’s mining permit was extended for the third time. Mohan and the injured victims, who were drunk at that time, picked up an argument with the miners citing violation. Earlier, three earthmovers parked at the mining site were damaged by Mohan and his team.

Following the incident, Elamanur Village Administrative Officer Sivakumar inspected the spot. However, Kenikarai police are yet to file a case in connection with Mohan’s death.