Beltangady: Police raided an alleged illegal sand mining site along the Netravathi riverbank at Indabettu in the early hours of August 18 and arrested one person. Two tipper lorries and illegally collected sand were also seized during the operation.
The raid was conducted following credible information about unauthorised sand extraction and transportation in the Nethravathi Nagar-Bollur Bailu area of Indabettu village.
Police said the operation was carried out at around 4.45 am, when several people were allegedly engaged in collecting and loading sand from the riverbank.
One person arrested during raid
According to police, several people present at the site attempted to flee after noticing the police team.
However, police managed to apprehend one of them. The arrested person was identified as Mohammed Suhail.
During questioning, Suhail allegedly disclosed the names of a tipper driver, Ibrahim, and another person identified as Puneeth, who was allegedly involved in loading the sand.
Police said the accused admitted that they did not have the required government permission or permit to collect and transport sand from the riverbank.
Based on the information obtained during the operation, police continued searching the area and examined the vehicles allegedly used for transporting the illegally extracted sand.
Two tipper lorries seized
During the search, police seized two tipper lorries from the site.
The first vehicle, bearing registration number KA-19-AA-2826, was found carrying sand estimated to be worth around Rs 10,000. The approximate value of the tipper was placed at Rs 3.5 lakh.
Another tipper, bearing registration number KA-18-B-1236, was found carrying around 20 plastic baskets of sand. The sand in the vehicle was estimated to be worth approximately Rs 400, while the vehicle itself was valued at around Rs 4 lakh.
Both vehicles, along with the sand found at the location, were taken into police custody for further investigation.
The seizure is part of the action being taken against unauthorised extraction and transportation of minor minerals from riverbanks.
Case registered under multiple laws
A case has been registered at the Beltangady police station under Crime No. 89/2026.
Police have invoked Section 303(2) read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994.
The provisions invoked relate to the alleged unauthorised removal and transportation of sand and the involvement of multiple persons in the activity.
The police are now investigating the alleged roles of the other persons identified during the interrogation.
Illegal sand mining raises environmental concerns
Unauthorised sand extraction from riverbeds and banks can have wider environmental consequences. Excessive removal of sand can alter river channels, affect riverbank stability and contribute to erosion.
The Netravathi river and its surrounding areas are ecologically important, making monitoring of unauthorised mineral extraction particularly significant.
Sand is also a regulated minor mineral, and extraction and transportation require compliance with government rules and permissions.
Authorities generally regulate such activities to prevent uncontrolled extraction and to ensure that mining does not adversely affect rivers, agricultural land, roads, bridges or nearby settlements.
Police continue investigation
The early-morning raid resulted in the seizure of two commercial vehicles and the sand found in them, while one person was arrested.
Police are expected to verify the statements made during interrogation and establish the identities and roles of those who allegedly escaped from the site.
Investigators will also examine whether the seized vehicles had previously been used for transporting sand without valid permits and whether others were involved in the alleged operation.
Further investigation is underway.