Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, May 20: Udupi district Youth Congress has urged the district administration to file a criminal complaint against the persons involved in the illegal sand mining at Swarna river in Shiroor near Hiriyadka.

Vishwas Amin president Youth Congress, Udupi has filed a petition with the district commissioner G Jagadeesh requesting a strict enquiry into the issue. "Illegal sand mining was taking place in the name of removing the silt. Every year tenders were called for this process as it would be a hindrance for the smooth flow of drinking water. But in the name of removing the silt, people have been inviting tenders with the help of officials and politicians. The people involved were then extracting sand and supplying it to the construction workers in the black market," Amin said.

Lokayukta police had conducted a raid and seized two tippers, two Hitachi machines, JCB and the illegally accumulated sand on May 16. Udupi district Youth Congress has also asked to conduct a thorough enquiry concerning the loss being incurred by selling the sand illegally. Even former MLA, Pramod Madhwaraj had tweeted on the issue, demanding thorough inquiry.

Earlier, former CM Siddaramaiah also tweeted about the issue and accused the leaders from the ruling party of being involved in the illegal activity. The former CM also insisted that the police give protection to those who have furnished information on the issue.