Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: Illegal sand mining at the Thota Bengre estuary led to violence on Sunday morning when a local fisherman was brutally assaulted after confronting those involved in the activity.

Around 2 am, local fishermen noticed ongoing illegal sand mining and questioned the culprits. A group of 15 individuals involved in the activity attacked the fishermen. While most managed to escape, one youth was severely injured after being struck with a shovel, sustaining injuries to his back, eyes, and face. He is currently hospitalized.

The site of the illegal sand mining is at the confluence of the Phalguni and Netravati rivers, where sand mining is strictly prohibited. Despite this, illegal mining has been rampant in the area for over a year and a half. Outstation individuals are reportedly extracting sand from the riverbed using boats and transporting it to Kerala. Fishermen also discovered hundreds of filled and empty plastic sack bags at the site.

Previously, the sand was transported by trucks, with JCBs used for loading. However, after locals and police began intercepting the trucks, the mafia shifted to using boats for transportation.

The locals claim that the abundance of sand in this area makes it an easy target for excavation, and those opposing the activity are frequently threatened or attacked by the sand mafia.

The fishermen allege that despite repeated complaints, the mining and geology department and local police have failed to take action against the perpetrators. They warn that the ongoing illegal mining is damaging the estuary and hindering the movement of fishing boats.