Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar
Brahmavar, Feb 13: In a major crackdown on illegal sand mining, Kota police arrested more than 20 persons allegedly involved in unlawfully extracting sand from the Varahi River near Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Maratturu in Molahalli village of Kundapura taluk.
A case has been registered at Kota police station against Devananda Shetty Halladu and the others identified as Amaresh (27), Kripal (32), Parashurama (35), Praveen (20), Ramcharan (35), Saprohan (28), Ram Avatar (21), Bimalesh (23), Ramlal (40), Bola (23), Sanjay (27), Hiride Rama (27), Sarvan (21), Mukesh (24), Karan (21), Prince (19), Kishun (19), Suraj (30), Neeraj (22), Kallu (19), and Rajeev (26). Except for Devananda Shetty, all the accused are natives of Uttar Pradesh.
Acting on specific information, police conducted a raid at an open space near the temple where large-scale illegal sand extraction was allegedly under way.
During the operation, officials seized approximately 315 units of sand valued at around Rs 8.5 lac. They also confiscated three fibre boats worth Rs 3 lac, which were reportedly used for mining activities, along with other equipment found at the site.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Udupi DySP Belliyappa K U and Brahmavar circle inspector Gopikrishna. The raid was led by Kota police station PSI Praveenkumar R and his team.
Further investigation into the case is under way.