In a crackdown on illegal mineral transport, the Vittal police in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district seized a truck loaded with laterite stones that were being moved without any valid authorization. The incident occurred during a routine vehicle check in the Kolnadu village area.
Illegal Transport Intercepted in Kootamugeru
Acting on a tip-off and as part of their regular surveillance, a police team led by PSI Ratnakumar from the Vittal police station stopped a truck that was travelling from Bolpade towards Kootamugeru. Upon a thorough inspection, the officials discovered the vehicle was fully laden with laterite stones, a key building material in the region.
The driver of the truck, identified as NC Shareef, aged 42, could not produce any documents that permitted the transport of the minerals. A preliminary investigation immediately revealed that the stones had been illegally loaded and were being moved without a valid licence, pointing to a clear violation of mining laws.
Case Registered and Vehicle Seized
Following the failure to provide documentation, the police detained the driver and proceeded to impound the truck along with its illegal cargo. The Vittal police have formally registered a case against the accused.
The charges have been framed under Section 303(2) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, specifically Sections 4(1) and 21. This legal action underscores the authorities' commitment to curbing the unlawful excavation and transportation of natural resources.
Separate Theft Incident in Kaup, Udupi
In an unrelated crime reported from the Mallaru area in Kaup taluk, Udupi district, unidentified thieves executed a brazen theft from a residential house. The culprits made off with 72 grams of gold ornaments and several silver items, with the total estimated value of the stolen property reaching a significant Rs 3.9 lakh.
According to the complaint filed by Raghavendra Kini, the theft took place on a Thursday when his wife had gone to their children's school for a programme. The house was locked, but the key had been placed inside the electricity meter box—a common practice that the thieves exploited. Using this key, they gained easy entry into the unoccupied home and decamped with the valuables.
The Kaup police, upon receiving the complaint, have registered a separate case. The charges in this theft have been filed under sections 331(3) and 305 of the BNS. Investigations into both incidents are currently ongoing as police work to uncover further details and apprehend those responsible.
