Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Updated

Udupi, Apr 3: On the basis of police complaint filed by deputy commissioner (DC) of the district, Priyanka Mary Francis, in which she claimed that an attempt on the lives of herself, that of assistant commissioner, Shilpa Nag, and some other members of her team had been made during the raid on illegal sand mining units operating in Kundapur taluk, a case has been registered in the town police station here for offences like murder attempt, obstructing government employees from discharging duties, assault etc. The police have arrested 13 persons for these offences.

Six among them were arrested from Halnad village, while seven more were arrested from Kandlur. As the raid was conducted at Halnad first, information about the impending raid had already been conveyed to Kandlur by the team went there, and the people involved with illegal sand mining there had prepared to attack the raiding officials, it is said.

In the meantime, a person named Bhaskara, who has got admitted into a hospital at Kundapur has complained of atrocities by the raiding party which caused injury to his hand. In view of this counter complaint, it has to be seen how the things move hereafter.

The deputy commissioner has said that she did not think it proper to inform the police department in advance as she thought in such a scenario, the illegal sand extractors will get advance alerts and vacate the spot before the raiding team reaches there. The superintendent of police, K T Balakrishna, said that raiding such places without police escort is risky, duly noting that no advance information was given to his department. He said his team of police personnel are honest and secret information is never leaked by them to anyone.

In the meanwhile, several organizations have openly come out in support of the DC and her team. District units of Karnataka Karmika Vedike represented by its president, Ravi Shetty, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike represented by president, Ansar Ahmed, Udupi Lorry Owners Association represented by president, Praveen Suvarna, Sarva Sanghatenagala Maralu Horata Samiti, and other leaders like Sahil Rahamatullah and Madhukar Poojary approached the superintendent of police here and handed over memorandums. They wanted strict action to be taken against illegal sand miners, duly adding that they will begin district-wide protests if the SP allows such illegal activities to continue. They wanted the police officer to withstand influence if any being brought on him by illegal sand miners, and arrest them within 24 hours and book them for their offences.

These leaders, speaking to media persons at the venue, said that they are alarmed at the fact that illegal activities, attack on officials etc which were earlier seen happening in some states like Bihar are nowhappening in Dakshina Kannada, known for education and discipline. They felt that this incident is a blot on the district's image, and demanded stern action to ensure that order is restored and law is enforced.

Earlier Report

Udupi: DC says illegal sand miners tried to murder her during raid, files complaint

Silvester D'Souza/Pareekshith Shet
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (RJP)

Udupi, Apr 3: Udupi district deputy commissioner (DC) Priyanka Francis complained to the police on the late night of Sunday April 2, that she and assistant commissioner (AC) Shilpa Nag faced murder attempt by illegal sand miners at Kandlur near Kundapur.

The complaint was lodged at Udupi town police station after midnight. DC also spoke to media in a press meet at 2 am and narrated her ordeal. 

Earlier DC and AC had raided a place where illegal sand mining was taking place at Halnad and took 6 persons into custody. All of them are North Indians. Later at 11.30 pm, the same team raided a place at Kandlur when the culprits attacked two drivers, DC’s gunman and a village accountant Kantharaju. DC and AC, both women, accompanying them also faced murder attempt, as per the complaint.

DC said that they had to run from the place in order to save themselves, but Kantharaju could not come with them. He was rescued later with the help of police.

Meanwhile, one person named Bhaskara, who is among the people involved in sand mining, has been injured. He has been admitted to a hospital in Kundapur. He said that AC, DC and others came to his house at late night and committed atrocities against him. “When I questioned them, they took me away. They tried to arrest me and put me into a car. They closed the door suddenly and I lost two of my fingers. I was dragged by the car covering a distance of 300 meters.” Bhaskara said.

In addition to 6 North Indians taken into custody, 8 locals were also taken into custody later. They will be produced in court today. 

As per information available, DC and AC went in a private car for the raid and did not inform the local police about the raid in order to keep the plans a secret.