Former Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK Leader Booked in Illegal Sand Case
In a significant development in Trichy, two prominent AIADMK functionaries, including former Tamil Nadu minister M R Vijayabaskar, have been formally charged by authorities for the illegal transport and possession of river sand. The case was registered on Thursday, marking a serious legal escalation in the ongoing issue of unauthorized sand mining in the region.
Discovery of Illegal Sand Stockpile
The incident initially came to light on February 11, when N Shanmugam, the village administrative officer (VAO) of Andankovil East village in Karur district, received credible information about sand being illegally stockpiled at a site owned by an individual named Vijayalakshmi. Acting promptly on this tip-off, revenue officials conducted a thorough inspection of the location.
During their examination, the officials confirmed the presence of approximately 12 units of Cauvery river sand at the site. When questioned about the material, the individuals present at the location claimed to possess valid documentation and assured the officials that they would submit these documents by Thursday morning. However, despite their assurances, no valid documents were ultimately produced to justify the possession of the sand.
Police Complaint and Legal Charges
Following the failure to provide authorization, VAO Shanmugam lodged a formal complaint at the Karur Town police station. The complaint explicitly alleged that Vijayabaskar had dumped the sand without any proper authorisation and demanded the immediate seizure of the material. On Thursday, the police responded by registering a case against Vijayabaskar under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 21(1) of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act.
This legal action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating violations related to natural resource extraction, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Cauvery river basin.
Background of Previous Actions and Protests
According to reliable sources, this case is not an isolated incident. Vijayabaskar and other AIADMK cadres had previously seized around 10 vehicles, including trucks and earthmovers, which were allegedly involved in sand smuggling activities near Mallampalayam in the Cauvery river area. These vehicles were handed over to the police at the Vangal police station on February 10.
Vijayabaskar's proactive measures against sand smuggling, however, triggered significant backlash. Bullock-cart workers, who rely on traditional sand collection methods for their livelihoods, staged protests accusing him of blocking their access to the river sand. The situation escalated to the point where protestors attempted to besiege his residence, highlighting the complex socio-economic dimensions of sand mining in the region.
Ironically, Vijayabaskar, who had taken action against alleged smugglers, now finds himself facing legal charges for similar offenses, adding a layer of controversy to the ongoing narrative.
Additional Illegal Sand Dump Found
In a related development, officials discovered another illegal sand dump during a separate inspection. Hundreds of units of sand were found at a nearby site owned by a woman named K Samiyaathal. Investigations revealed that her son-in-law, Dhanapal, who is also an AIADMK functionary, was allegedly responsible for dumping the sand.
When officials attempted to seize this river sand, local AIADMK cadres protested the action, leading to tensions at the site. Based on a complaint from the VAO, a separate case was registered in connection with this incident, indicating a pattern of unauthorized sand activities linked to party members.
Implications and Ongoing Investigations
The booking of a former minister and other party functionaries sends a strong message about the enforcement of environmental and mineral regulations in Tamil Nadu. It also raises questions about the involvement of political figures in activities that threaten river ecosystems and violate legal statutes.
Authorities continue to investigate both cases, with a focus on determining the full extent of the illegal operations and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable under the law. The developments highlight the ongoing challenges in regulating sand mining, a critical issue for both environmental conservation and legal compliance in the state.
