Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Mangaluru, Jul 4: Police raided a site where illegal laterite stone and soil mining was allegedly being carried out in Bantwal taluk and seized vehicles, machinery, and other equipment used for the illegal operation.

According to the police, on the evening of July 2, Vittal police sub-inspector Ramakrishna received credible information about illegal mining activities. Acting on the tip-off, he, along with police personnel, proceeded to Muguli in Karopady village of Bantwal taluk.

On noticing the police vehicle, those engaged in illegal laterite stone mining fled the spot. During the inspection, the police found that illegal laterite stone mining was being carried out, and the machinery used for the activity was found at the site.

The police also discovered illegal soil mining being conducted in the vicinity. A weighbridge and a building constructed for weighing lorries transporting the illegally excavated soil, along with other machinery and equipment, were also found at the location.

The seized vehicles, machinery, and other equipment have been taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

A case has been registered at the Vittal police station against Muligadde Zakaria and others for allegedly carrying out mining operations without any valid licence. The case has been booked as Crime No. 148/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Sections 4(1) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Sections 3 and 44 of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994. Further investigation is underway.