Vijayawada: Tough action by the police commissioner and district collector will prompt the Vuyyuru inspector and ACP East to file FIR against sand mafia representative in Pamidimukkala mandal.
A joint inspection was carried out by ACP East V. Vijay Bhaskar and tahsildar of Pamidimukkala on Friday. The ACP said they would register the case after examining the Walta Act, River Conservation Act and also Minor Mineral Concession Rules under the Mining Act.
Observations suggested that 1,60,000 cum sand worth around Rs 80,00,000 was decasted. If penalty is imposed, around Rs 3 crore has to be paid by accused Ganta Suresh. Coming to know about these developments, police commissioner Gautam Sawang has directed the DCP to inquire into the matter and submit a report.
In Lankapalli Lanka village, 255 acres of ‘no man’s’ patta lands have attracted the sand mafia for a long time.
The mafia, which is active here, has been taking the support of political leaders in power. Earlier, the mafia representative used to take the shield of a former police officer, who is a key TD leader in the district now.
Now, he has shifted his loyalties to Pamarru MLA Uppuleti Kalpana and started exerting pressure over local revenue and police officers. Since the tahsildar’s report came as a shock to the sand mafia, they are trying to find out alternative means.
However, district collector B. Lakshmikantham and police commissioner Gautam Sawang have initiated tough action against the sand mafia.
“If necessary, the PD Act will also be imposed against the sand mafia,” Mr Lakshmikantham warned.
Speaking on the latest developments, Nuziveedu RDO Ch. Rangaiah told this correspondent that he has taken the opinion of Executive Engineer (River Conservancy) Ravibabu over imposing the sections on accused Ganta Suresh, who has violated the norms.
“Though there is no clarity as to from where he has dug the mud and sand, he has to take prior permission from the revenue authorities as it attracts the Act related to ‘stealing of mineral’ in an unauthorised way,” RDO Mr Rangaiah said.
The EE (River Conserva-ncy) also endorsed the same and added that it attracts criminal offence.
ACP (East) V. Vijay Bhaskar said FIR would be registered against accused Ganta Suresh.
