Udupi: Police seized a boat and around one unit of sand during a raid on suspected illegal sand mining at Hude in Paduthonse village, Udupi on Wednesday, August 6.
The action was taken following information about the alleged illegal extraction and transportation of sand near the Bobbarya Daivasthana in Hude.
Police raid follows tip-off
Acting on the information, Malpe station officer Anilkumar and his team conducted a raid in the area.
Police reportedly received information that sand was being illegally extracted from the river and transported using a boat. The alleged activity was linked to Shohib Suvarna of Hude, according to the information received by the police.
When the police team reached the location, workers who were allegedly involved in the activity fled from the spot.
The workers reportedly abandoned the boat and the sand at the site before escaping.
Boat and sand seized
During the raid, police seized the boat allegedly used for transporting the sand.
Around one unit of sand was also found at the location and taken into police custody as part of the action.
The seizure is expected to form part of the evidence in the investigation into the suspected illegal sand mining activity.
Illegal extraction of sand from rivers can damage riverbeds and affect the surrounding ecosystem. Unregulated mining can also alter water flow and contribute to erosion, making enforcement important in areas where sand extraction is restricted.
Investigation underway
The Malpe police have initiated further investigation into the incident.
Officials are expected to establish who was involved in the alleged sand extraction and transportation and determine the circumstances under which the activity was being carried out.
Police are also likely to examine the ownership and use of the seized boat as part of the investigation.
The workers who fled the spot may be questioned as the probe progresses. Further details are awaited.