Man held for assaulting sub-inspector over illegal sand mining in Tiruvannamalai

A 50-year-old man was arrested by Athamangalam police for assaulting a sub-inspector over illegal sand mining from dry portion of Miranda dam at Navapalayam village near Kalasapakkam town in Tiruvannamalai on Thursday.

Police said the arrested person has been identified as S. Kumaran, a resident of Navapalayam village. The injured sub-inspector was P. Nagarajan, 44.

Initial inquiry revealed that based on tip-off, a five-member police team led by SI Nagarajan, Athamangalam police, was patrolling the dam area on complaints of illegal sand mining when the team found loads of sand mining in the dam area, using earthmover. Sand was being uploaded in three tractors.

Immediately, the team seized the vehicles. As the seized vehicles were escorted by police, Kumaran intercepted the police team and demanded the release of seized vehicles. An argument ensued and Kumaran assaulted the sub-inspector.

A video of the incident went viral in social media platforms, leading to public outcry over the incident. Residents rescued the injured sub-inspector, who got admitted at Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Athamangalam village. A case has been registered against Kumaran, who has at least 13 cases on him at various police stations in the district. He was arrested and lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is underway.

Police said more than 100 illegal brick kilns have been operating near the dam area. Sand is mined illegally from water bodies, government land to operate these brick kilns. The new police station at Athamangalam village was formed after bifurcation from Kadaladi police in February as complainants have to travel at least 35 kms to file complaints at Kadaladi police station earlier. Opening of Athamangalam police station has helped to increase patrolling in the area against such illegal activities, residents said.