Mangaluru: In a crackdown on illegal sand mining activities, the Kankanady Town Police successfully intercepted and seized a vehicle engaged in unauthorized sand transport near Padil Junction.
The driver, identified as Mohammad Nijam alias Nijju, was arrested after failing to produce valid documents authorizing the transportation of sand. Acting on a tip-off, officers stopped the pick-up vehicle and found it fully loaded with sand.
Upon interrogation, Nijam reportedly confessed that the sand had been loaded from the Arkula grounds without proper permits. Authorities have since seized both the vehicle and the sand consignment as part of the investigation.
Police sources confirmed that a case has been registered, and further inquiries are underway to trace the larger network possibly involved in this illegal activity. The operation is part of an ongoing drive by the Mangaluru police against the sand mafia operating in and around the city.
Illegal sand mining and transport continue to pose a significant threat to the environment and have been linked to revenue losses for the government. Local authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against violators to curb these unlawful practices.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious sand transport activities to the nearest police station to support the crackdown.
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