Raja (33) of Vasur near Sathuvachari was arrested following his involvement in illegal sand smuggling from the Palar river a few days ago. He was released after he handed over a petition to the Collector during a weekly grievances day. He promised in the petition that he would eschew association with his old gang mates. He pleaded that the false cases that were foisted on him by the police should be withdrawn. He also said that he wanted to reform his life and live normally. 

However, after a week of his submission, he was arrested again on charges of involvement in sand smuggling. He was lodged in the Vellore Central Prison. As he was a history-sheeter facing cases including attempt to murder, extortion and robbery, Collector Raman ordered that he should be detained under the Goondas Act based on the recommendation of Vellore SP Pravesh Kumar.

Similarly, Deva of Katpadi was arrested a few days ago for his involvement in a fracas at the Vellore CSI Central church. He was found with deadly weapons, including a gun, which were seized from his car. He was also detained under the Goondas Act.