Puttur: The Puttur Rural Police have registered a case in connection with an illegal sand mining operation that was being carried out at the Bendrutheertha Seere river in Irde village. The police action led to the seizure of three pick-up vehicles allegedly used for transporting sand without valid permits.
The raid was conducted by Puttur Rural Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Sushma G. Bhandari and her team during a routine patrol in the Irde area on Sunday. According to police sources, the officers noticed a group of individuals loading sand from the riverbed into three pick-up vehicles at the Bendrutheertha Seere river.
Police raid at the riverbank
As the police team approached the spot to conduct a raid, the individuals involved in loading the sand reportedly fled the scene, taking advantage of the situation. Despite their escape, the police managed to detain the three vehicles that were found at the site.
The authorities then questioned the drivers of the vehicles, who were identified as Abdul Razak, Mohammed Irfan and Ali Kunhi. During interrogation, the drivers allegedly admitted that they did not possess any valid permit or authorisation for transporting the sand.
The police suspect that the sand was being extracted illegally from the river and was intended for unauthorised commercial use. Illegal sand mining has remained a persistent concern in several parts of Dakshina Kannada district due to its adverse impact on river ecosystems and groundwater levels.
Case registered against the accused
Following the preliminary investigation, a case was officially registered at the Puttur Rural Police Station against the accused in connection with illegal sand extraction and transportation.
Police officials stated that further investigation is underway to identify the individuals who fled from the scene and to determine the extent of the illegal mining activity. Authorities are also examining whether similar unauthorised operations have been taking place in the area for a prolonged period.
The seized vehicles have been taken into custody and are expected to remain under police possession until the completion of legal procedures.
Growing concern over illegal sand extraction
Illegal sand mining continues to be a major environmental issue across Karnataka, with authorities frequently carrying out inspections and raids to curb unauthorised extraction from rivers and water bodies. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that indiscriminate removal of sand can lead to riverbank erosion, depletion of groundwater resources and long-term ecological damage.
Local residents have also expressed concern over recurring incidents of illegal sand transportation, urging authorities to intensify surveillance and take strict action against offenders involved in such activities.
The Puttur Rural Police have assured that stringent action will be taken against all those found involved in the illegal operation. Further investigations are in progress, and additional arrests may follow based on the findings of the inquiry.