Deputy tahsildar suspended

A deputy tahsildar has been placed under suspension after a clip of the official releasing two sand laden lorries intercepted and seized at Soriyankuppam near Bahour went viral.

Following information that a group was lifting sand from the Thenpennaiar river bed, a team conducting vehicle checks stopped two sand laden lorries at Soriyankuppam on April 28. Deputy tahsildar Ramachandran released the two lorries triggering strong protests from local people, led by Perumal of Bahour. The incident went viral on social media.

District Collector Satyendra Singh Dursawat said that Mr. Ramachandran had been suspended and a departmental enquiry ordered against him. A team of senior officials visited the spot on the river bed.

Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, in a message, said the deputy tahsildar had been colluding with politicians and sand mafia by accepting bribe. The motorcycle of a Public Works Department employee was set on fire allegedly at his behest.

“This is arrogance of extreme order where government officials are openly allowing illegal sand mining. The official should be removed from service and an FIR filed against him as a deterrent to other corrupt officials,” Ms. Bedi said.

Ms. Bedi directed the Collector to consider issuing a prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC banning any illegal activity in the area.

She asked the police to file an FIR and take up investigation to identify the culprits. The investigation will be taken up by the Superintendent of Police of Criminal Investigation Department and monitored by the Director-General of Police, she said.