Bantwal: Vittal Police have arrested two persons for allegedly extracting and storing sand illegally from a stream at Nekkare in Kambalabettu, Vittal Kasaba village, during a raid conducted on Sunday, July 20. Police also seized 60 gunny bags of illegally extracted sand from the site.
The action was carried out following credible information received by the police regarding unauthorised sand extraction from the stream.
Raid conducted at Nekkare
According to the police, the accused were found filling gunny bags with sand that had allegedly been extracted illegally from the stream at Kambalabettu Nekkare.
Acting on the tip-off, the Vittal Sub-Inspector, along with a team of police personnel, conducted a raid at the location. During the operation, officers found a large quantity of sand packed in gunny bags and ready for transportation.
The police seized 60 bags of sand from the spot as part of the operation.
Two accused arrested
The arrested persons have been identified as Mohammed, a resident of Karyadi in Kula village, and Shareef, a resident of Okkethur.
Police alleged that the duo was involved in illegally extracting sand from the stream and storing it in bags when the raid was conducted.
Both accused were taken into custody, and the seized sand has been placed under police custody as part of the investigation.
Case registered
A case has been registered at the Vittal Police Station in connection with the illegal sand mining activity.
Police said further investigation is under way to determine whether others were involved in the operation and to ascertain if the sand was intended for illegal transportation or sale.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in unauthorised extraction of natural resources, as illegal sand mining poses a serious threat to riverbeds, streams and the environment.