Epaper: Mysooru Mithra

Following the protest, which caused a three-hour-long traffic jam, Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Harish Kumar rushed a team of revenue and police officials to the spot. The DC told Mysooru Mithra , "A spot inspection has been ordered. Strict action will be taken against any official found complicit. FIRs will be registered against the illegal operators by tomorrow evening."

Locals specifically accused a former panchayat member of shielding the operators in exchange for a monthly "haulage fee" of nearly ₹2 lakh. "We have video evidence of trucks passing the check post without inspection. The officials on duty are either blind or bought," alleged Gowramma, a ward member. mysooru mithra epaper

MM Correspondent

The protesters, including women and senior citizens, alleged that despite multiple complaints to the Mines and Geology department, no action has been taken against a group of sand mafia operators who have been extracting sand using heavy machinery during the night. "The constant thunder of JCBs and tractors has destroyed our riverbank. Our wells are drying up, and the bridge pillars are showing cracks," said R. Mahesh, a local farmer. The DC told Mysooru Mithra , "A spot

Villagers allege nexus between operators and local officials; DC assures inquiry "We have video evidence of trucks passing the