Activists Demand Goondas Act Detention for Cauvery Sand Mining Accused

A group of environmental activists has urged the Tamil Nadu government to invoke the Goondas Act against those involved in illegal sand mining from the Cauvery River. In a memorandum submitted to Karur District Collector M. Thangavel, the activists highlighted the severity of the ongoing sand mining racket.

According to the activists, a special team led by Tiruchi (Range) Deputy Inspector-General of Police Varun Kumar recently arrested 10 individuals involved in the illegal activity. Authorities seized 26 tipper lorries, three cars, a laptop, four seals carrying the State government emblem, a trip sheet, numerous holograms, and ₹2.26 lakh in cash during a raid at Manmangalam. The seized items suggest that the group had been operating a sophisticated parallel system by forging official government documents and emblems to facilitate large-scale sand mining operations valued at several crores of rupees.

R.S. Mugilan, coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Environmental Protection Movement, who led the delegation, expressed deep concern that the accused resumed sand mining within days of their initial arrest. He emphasized that even senior police officials, including the DIG, have been unable to curtail the illegal operations, indicating the deep-rooted influence and boldness of the offenders.

The activists argue that invoking the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (commonly known as the Goondas Act) is essential to break the recurring cycle of illegal sand mining and deter such activities in the future. They called for stringent action to protect the Cauvery River from further environmental degradation and prevent the organized exploitation of natural resources.

The activists petition adds to growing public concern over rampant sand mining and the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in curbing the menace.