Two individuals were arrested in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, for engaging in illegal sand mining within the Ponnai Riverbed. The arrests were made following a joint operation by the Revenue Department and the Police on May 16, 2024, near Melmonavoor village in Walajah Taluk.
The accused, identified as M. Munusamy and S. Venkatesan, were found to be operating without proper authorization. Authorities seized two lorries loaded with illegally mined sand, along with earthmoving equipment used in the operation – a JCB and a tractor. The total value of the seized materials is estimated at ₹8.5 lakh.
The operation was initiated based on information received regarding the ongoing illegal mining activities. A team led by Ranipet Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) L. Manohar and Walajah Police Inspector A. Sridhar conducted a raid on the site.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were extracting sand during nighttime to avoid detection. The illegally mined sand was intended for sale in nearby areas.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the Tamil Nadu Materials and Minerals (Regulation of Mining) Rules, 2011. The seized vehicles and equipment have been taken into police custody.
Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the illegal mining operation and to identify any potential accomplices involved. Authorities are also assessing the environmental impact caused by the illegal sand mining activities in the Ponnai Riverbed. The incident highlights ongoing efforts to curb illegal sand mining in the region, which poses a threat to the environment and disrupts the natural flow of rivers.
