Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangadi (EP)

Beltangadi, Mar 20: Shekar Laila, a CPIM leader and social activist, staged a solitary protest on Monday in front of the Mini Vidhan Soudha here, urging action to stop illegal sand mining and to initiate a judicial inquiry into illegal and substandard work carried out in the name of development.

The protest began at 10 am and lasted until 5:30 pm.

Laila claimed that although only five individuals have licenses for sand mining in the taluk, illegal mining is rampant in all rivers and lakes, with no government officials taking action against it. He alleged that the taluk administration and police department might be colluding with illegal miners. In response to the lack of action by government officials against illegal sand mining, Laila began his protests by fasting.

According to Laila, illegal sand mining has become a multi-crore business. He plans to continue his protests until illegal sand mining is halted. He also claimed that there is a significant amount of corruption occurring in the taluk in the guise of development, with shoddy work being done after the floods. He further alleged irregularities in the tender process, with contracts being given to fake companies. To address these issues, he called for investigations by a retired magistrate. Laila announced that he will continue to protest every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm in front of the Mini Vidhan Soudha.