Police raided an illegal laterite stone extraction site in Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, on Saturday, seizing machinery used in the operation and registering a case against unknown persons.
Workers flee as police arrive
Acting on a tip-off, a police team from the Bantwal rural police station conducted the raid at the site located near the Netravati river. On noticing the police vehicle approaching, the workers engaged in the illegal extraction fled the scene, leaving behind earthmovers and other equipment.
“The workers escaped as soon as they saw us. We have seized the machinery and launched an investigation,” a police officer said.
Case booked under Mines and Minerals Act
The police have registered a case under the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The seized equipment includes a JCB and a tipper lorry used for transporting the illegally mined laterite stones.
Laterite stone is commonly used in construction in the coastal region. The illegal extraction along the Netravati riverbed has been a recurring issue, with authorities conducting sporadic raids.
Previous incidents of illegal mining
In similar operations earlier this year, police had seized vehicles and machinery from illegal mining sites in the district. However, enforcement remains challenging due to the remote locations and the quick escape of offenders.
The police have urged the public to report any suspicious mining activities. Further investigation is underway to identify the culprits.
