Lokayukta conducts raids over illegal sand extraction in Mangaluru

MANGALURU: Acting on complaints regarding illegal sand extraction, Lokayukta sleuths carried out raids and seized properties worth Rs 40 lakh. Lokayukta Mangaluru superintendent of police Lakshmi Ganesh said that three teams led by DySPs Kalavathi, Cheluvaraju B and inspector Amanulla A, carried out raids at Mulki, Bantwal and Belthangady, where sand was extracted illegally, on the banks of rivers.
The officials have seized trucks, an earthmover machine, sand and other items worth Rs 40 lakh. The seized properties were handed over to the jurisdictional police stations, and three criminal cases have been registered.
The SP said that the Lokayukta officials are verifying illegal sand extraction in other places as well.
The illegal sand extraction has resulted in losses to the state exchequer, he said, adding that action will also be taken against officials, in connection with the illegal extraction of sand.