Driver held for illegal sand mining from Palar river in Ranipet

A 34-year-old driver was arrested by Arcot Taluk for illegal sand mining from Palar river at Aroor village near Arcot town in Ranipet on Sunday.

Police said the arrested person was identified as V. Ajith, a native of Arcot. Based on alert, a special police team led by sub-inspector K. Manoharan had been patrolling Arcot – Walajah Main Road on the outskirts of Arcot town when the team tried to stop Ajith, who was driving the jeep loaded with sand, but they were unable to stop him as he drove the vehicle faster.

Police chased him and cornered the vehicle some distance away on the stretch. The team checked the vehicle and found illegal river sand. Initial inquiry revealed that he illegally mined sand from dry river of Palar along Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) to sell it for private contractors in the town. A case has been registered. He was arrested. Three vehicles and river sand were seized by police. Later, he was lodged at sub-jail in Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is underway.