Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 5: Alwyn Jerome D’Souza, president of the Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh, was attacked by a group of sand miners near Adyar, on the outskirts of the city. The attack is believed to be in retaliation for his strong stance against illegal sand mining activities.

D’Souza, who raised his voice against unlawful sand mining operations along the Netravati river at Pavoor Uliya, was assaulted by a gang of 10 to 15 individuals, who also allegedly issued death threats. He is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in the city. MLC Ivan D'Souza visited D'Souza at the hospital to enquire about his well-being. 

The incident comes just days after authorities from the Bantwal revenue department and the mining department raided an illegal sand mining operation near Thumbe and Maripalla. During the raid, around 20 boats used for sand extraction were confiscated and later parked near Adyar.

Reports suggest that a group involved in the illegal activity was attempting to remove the engines from the boats when the attack took place. There are also allegations that the machinery used in the operation was being transported in the presence of officials from the mining department and Mangaluru rural police.

This assault is seen as an attempt to silence those opposing the illegal sand trade in the region.

Speaker U T Khader condemns attack

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader strongly condemned the attack on Congress leader and Catholic Sabha president Alwyn D’Souza. In a statement, Khader expressed his deep concern over the incident and called for immediate and strict legal action against those responsible.

He further instructed police officials to promptly arrest the culprits and ensure they face stringent punishment under the law.