Udupi: The police in Heriadka have seized a tipper truck involved in the illegal transportation of sand and arrested the driver in connection with the offence. The action was taken after the vehicle was found carrying sand without a valid permit, in violation of existing mining and transport regulations. A case has been registered at the Heriadka Police Station, and further investigation is under way.

According to police sources, the incident occurred on January 2, 2026, at around 12.30 pm, when a team from the Heriadka police station was on routine patrol and vehicle inspection duty near the Anjaru Ring Road. During the inspection, the police stopped a tipper truck on suspicion and conducted a thorough check of the vehicle and its cargo.

Sand transported without permit

Upon inspection, the police found that the truck was carrying approximately three units of sand. When asked to produce the necessary documents and transport permit, the driver allegedly failed to provide any valid authorisation for the sand being transported.

Police officials stated that the sand was being moved illegally, without clearance from the concerned authorities. The seized sand is estimated to be worth around ₹13,000, according to preliminary valuation by the police.

Illegal sand mining and transportation have been a persistent issue in several parts of Udupi district, with authorities frequently conducting checks to curb the practice.

Driver arrested at the spot

The driver of the truck has been identified as Sheikh Mohammad Nadeem. Police said he was taken into custody at the spot after it was established that the sand had been allegedly stolen and transported illegally.

According to the complaint filed by the police, the sand was reportedly stolen from the area near the Cherkadi Kannaru Petrol Bunk. The accused is alleged to have loaded the sand without permission and attempted to transport it for illegal sale.

Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the competent authority as per procedure.

Case registered at Heriadka police station

A case has been registered at the Heriadka Police Station under relevant sections of the law dealing with illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals. The tipper truck involved in the offence has also been seized and kept under police custody.

Police officials said the case will be investigated in detail to determine whether others were involved in the illegal sand transport, including the source of the sand and the intended destination.

Crackdown on illegal sand activities

Senior police officers said the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal sand mining and transportation in the district. Such activities not only result in revenue loss to the government but also cause severe environmental damage, including riverbank erosion and depletion of natural resources.

“Regular checks are being conducted on major roads and vulnerable locations. Strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in illegal sand extraction or transport,” a police officer said.

The police have also warned vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that they carry valid permits and documents while transporting sand or other minor minerals.

Environmental and legal concerns

Illegal sand mining has been a matter of concern for both authorities and environmental activists in coastal Karnataka. Excessive and unauthorised removal of sand can affect groundwater levels, damage agricultural land, and disturb local ecosystems.

Officials reiterated that transporting sand without a valid permit is a punishable offence and can lead to seizure of vehicles, arrest of those involved, and imposition of fines, in addition to criminal proceedings.

Appeal to public

The police have appealed to the public to report any information related to illegal sand mining or transportation. They said timely information from residents can help authorities take swift action and prevent environmental damage.

“Public cooperation is essential to tackle illegal sand activities effectively. People should inform the police if they notice suspicious movement of sand-laden vehicles,” an official said.

Conclusion

The seizure of the tipper truck and arrest of the driver in Heriadka underline the police department’s continued vigilance against illegal sand transportation. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to identify any additional individuals involved in the activity. Police have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing the law strictly and protecting natural resources from unlawful exploitation.