Kumily police have detained a truck from Kerala that was reportedly carrying waste meat and vegetables from hotels and restaurants to be dumped in Theni district.
Following an intelligence tip-off, vehicle checks were intensified on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, and a Kumily police team led by Inspector Vijayapandian maintained surveillance of vehicles coming into Theni district on Saturday. On intercepting a truck, the police team found plastic drums filled with waste removed from hotels in Kerala.
Preliminary inquiry revealed that the driver had collected the wastes from eatery outlets in Idukki district and planned to dispose it off near Periyar Vairavan check dam. The Kerala Government had imposed strict laws on waste disposal following outbreaks in the State and had warned that any improper disposal would attract severe fines and imprisonment. Hence, hoteliers paid hefty amounts to truck operators for disposal of the food waste in a clandestine manner in remote locations in Theni district.
The police identified the driver as Vivek, 26, of Vettukadu, Gudalur. The vehicle was impounded. Further investigation was on.
Published – December 14, 2025 08:22 pm IST
