Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala

Karkala, Jan 3: Officials of the department of mines and geology conducted a surprise operation in the Belman area and seized five trucks that were illegally transporting mining products.

Acting on specific information that large quantities of mining material were being transported towards Mangaluru without following rules and by evading taxes to the state exchequer, a team led by senior geologist Vindhya carried out vehicle inspections around 3 am and took action.

During the operation, five heavy vehicles engaged in illegal transportation were seized. Inspection revealed a large quantity of illegally quarried stone. The seized vehicles have been handed over to the Karkala police station for further action. One lorry driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the spot after noticing the officials.

Several mining transport vehicles were checked during the early morning operation on Friday. Officials said that the five seized trucks had violated mining regulations, with some operating without valid permits, while others were carrying loads beyond the permissible limit.

“The department will continue to conduct regular operations and take strict action against mining-related illegalities,” senior geologist Vindhya of the department of mines and geology, Udupi, said.