Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady
Beltangady, Aug 19: Police raided an alleged illegal sand mining site along the Netravathi riverbank at Indabettu in the early hours of August 18 and arrested one person. Two tipper lorries and illegally collected sand were also seized during the operation.
Acting on credible information, police conducted the raid at around 4.45 am in the Nethravathi Nagar-Bollur Bailu area of Indabettu village. On noticing the police, several persons allegedly involved in collecting and loading sand attempted to flee. Police managed to apprehend one of them, identified as Mohammed Suhail, while others escaped.
During interrogation, Suhail reportedly disclosed the names of a tipper driver, Ibrahim, and another person identified as Puneeth, who was allegedly involved in loading the sand. Police said the accused also admitted that they did not possess any government permit to collect or transport sand.
A search of the spot led to the seizure of a tipper bearing registration number KA-19-AA-2826, which contained sand valued at around Rs 10,000. The estimated value of the vehicle is Rs 3.5 lac.
Another tipper bearing registration number KA-18-B-1236 was found carrying around 20 plastic baskets of sand, estimated to be worth Rs 400. The vehicle is valued at approximately Rs 4 lac, police said.
Both vehicles and the sand were taken into custody by the police.
A case has been registered at Belthangady police station under Crime No. 89/2026 under Sections 303(2) read with 3(5) of the BNS 2023, relevant provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994.
Further investigation is underway.