Kundapur Police cracked down on unauthorised sand mining along the Panchagangavali stream, arresting one individual and seizing materials used in the operation.

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Police Sub-Inspector Nanja Naik conducted a surprise raid near Nana Saheb Road in Vaderahobali village late Sunday. The accused, Udaya Mendon, was caught red-handed while loading illegally mined sand into a fiber boat. His associate, identified as Sunil, managed to flee the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the duo had been extracting sand without any legal permit and preparing it for transport. The police seized the following from the site:

  • Fiber boat (approximate value: ₹15,000)
  • 1.5 units of sand (worth ₹5,000)
  • 407 tipper vehicle (KA20 C6070) (valued at ₹5,00,000)
  • Iron rope and two fiber baskets used for handling the sand

A case has been registered at the Kundapur Police Station, and authorities are on the lookout for the absconding suspect.

This operation underscores the police department’s ongoing efforts to curb environmental violations and prevent the exploitation of natural resources in the Udupi region. Officials have warned that stringent action will be taken against those found engaging in illegal sand mining, which not only depletes riverbeds but also leads to ecological imbalance.

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