Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Oct 23: The rumours making the rounds that fake passes issued in the name of Odisha government were being used to transport sand extracted in Dakshina Kannada district have been proved to be true. The sand, which is claimed to be from Odisha, actually is extracted from River Netravati, and Odisha licences are used to hoodwink the police.

In a flash check on Thursday, police had taken into possession sand from various places. Those involved had claimed that the sand was brought with licence from Odisha state. During investigation thereafter, the police realized that the fake pass was issued in the name of Odisha state, and sand was transported from Dakshina Kannada district.

The police have learnt that a huge racket having connection with highly placed persons is operating to transport sand extracted from River Netravati. The major Malbar agents for the sand are residents of Kasargod district. There is high demand for sand in malnad areas in the state for construction activity, and sand is being looted from River Netravati to meet this demand. People staying on the border between the two states act like Malabar agents. It is said that they have close links with certain officials and policemen, with the help of whom sand is easily transported into the state.

Although the allegation of use of fake passes is old, the concerned had owned discreet silence in the matter. Only after some police evinced interest in the issue a couple of days back, the issue has come into the open. It is said that the policemen resorted to flash inspection after getting alert that continuing to neglect the issue might expose them to punitive action.