Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 20: The situation in Kannur turned tense after the public halted sand-laden lorries late night on Tuesday March 19.

The sand mafia has been operating unchecked, with lorries often obscuring their number plates with grease and stickers as they smuggle sand from areas under the jurisdiction of Konaje, Mangaluru rural, and Ullal, sometimes even in the presence of the police. An incident occurred when a sand-laden lorry collided with a divider near Kannur, sparking outrage among the public and leading to a tense situation.

The sand mafia's activities are widespread in Ullal, Kotepura, Kannur, and Farangipete. Late in the night on March 19, several lorries laden with sand were observed traveling consecutively towards BC Road. Following a collision involving one lorry and a car, the car driver attempted to intercept the lorry with the assistance of the public. However, two lorries with obscured number plates managed to escape, fuelling public anger as they witnessed the continuous flow of such vehicles.

Efforts by the police to pacify the situation were futile, especially when confronted with the sight of multiple sand-laden lorries with faded number plates. Incidents escalated, with members of the public resorting to physical confrontation, including one individual wielding a hockey stick against a suspected member of the sand mafia. Additional police reinforcements were eventually deployed to regain control, resulting in the seizure of one lorry.

The public also raised concerns about the apparent inaction of ACP Dhanya Nayak and criticized the officials stationed at checkpoints designated for election purposes, accusing them of neglecting to inspect lorries and focusing solely on cars and motorcycles. This neglect could potentially allow for the transportation of illegal goods such as cash or explosives in sand-laden lorries from border districts.

It is said that Congress leaders from Talapady were actively involved, and they were present at the scene where the incident occurred, urging for the release of the lorries, which caused dissatisfaction among many.