Three persons arrested for illegal transport of river sand near Katpadi

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Three persons were arrested near Katpadi on Thursday for illegal transport of river sand from Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu without valid documents.

The arrested persons have been identified as G. Anandakumar, 44, of Dharmapuri; K. Prakash, 40; and B. Periyasavadi, 42, of Salem. Two others, Janaki and Shah Jahan, are absconding, the police said.

Special teams were formed in the district to prevent illegal sand mining, smuggling of ganja and other banned substances, and petty crimes. One of the teams stationed at the Christianpet police check post on Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border intercepted two lorries. On checking the vehicles, the team found 15 unit loads of river sand.

The police said the consignment for private contractors was being transported to Chengalpattu district from Andhra Pradesh. The lorry drivers were unable to produce the documents required for transporting river sand from neighbouring States.

The team seized the vehicles and registered a case under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. A probe is under way.