Stern action against illegal sand suppliers: Superintendent of Police Aishwarya Rastogi

Nellore: Superintendent of Police Aishwarya Rastogi stated that stringent action will be taken against illegal transportation of sand and those who violates the new sand policy.

Conducting a review meeting with officials at his office here on Wednesday, the SP said the district police along with other departments seized 258 vehicles involved in illegal transportation of sand and booked 117 cases against them from June 1 to November 12. He said the vehicles were produced for further action by the Mines and Geology Department and the police also collected fines of Rs 13.19 lakhs during the raids.

Stating that the police have been taking stringent measures for strict implementation of new sand policy in coordination with the Revenue and Mining departments, Rastogi said they have arranged 8 check posts at the borders and 9 at various sand stock points for preventing illegal transportation of sand.

He stated border posts have been set up at Tada, Jonnawada–Badvel road, Sangam-Somasila road, at Nelaballi on Naidupeta–Srikalahasti road, Venkatagiri–Yerpedu road and at the Sri city-SEZ point.

He added check posts at stock points have been arranged at Pottepalem of Nellore rural, Mudivarthi of Vidavaluru, Jonnawada of Buchireddypalem, Swarnamukhi of Vakadu, Palachuru anicut of Naidupeta, Kota anicut of Kota, Chintavaram of Chillakur, Viruvuru of Podalakuru and Padamati Kambhampadu of Ananthasagaram Mandal.

The SP said the police hereafter will check all sand-laden vehicles and verify their credentials, quantum of sand and other issues before releasing them from sand reaches and stock points.

He said special squads have also been formed to check illegal transportation activities and station house officers will also conduct random checks on the important roads. Seventeen cases have been booked so far in the district since May 30 against illegal transportation of sand and seized 258 vehicles that include 128 tractors, 109 lorries, 19 tippers, and 2 JCBs, the SP said.

The SP added the vehicles will be seized, and cases will be booked against drivers and the persons involved in the activities. He appealed to people to inform on any instances of illegal transportation of sand to the police through WhatsApp No 9390777727 or 9440796314(SB CI-1) or 14500 (Toll Free Number).