Former Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK Leader Booked for Illegal Sand Activities in Karur
In a significant development in Trichy, two prominent AIADMK functionaries, including former Tamil Nadu minister M R Vijayabaskar, have been formally charged on Thursday for the illegal transport and possession of river sand. The case highlights ongoing issues with unauthorized sand mining in the region, drawing attention to environmental and legal violations.
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 Vijayalakshmi. Acting swiftly, revenue officials conducted an inspection and confirmed the presence of approximately 12 units of Cauvery river sand at the location.
When questioned by authorities, individuals present at the site claimed to possess valid documents and assured officials they would submit them by Thursday morning. However, no such valid documents were ever produced, leading to suspicions of fraudulent activity.
Police Complaint and Legal Action
Following the failure to provide documentation, Shanmugam lodged a formal complaint at the Karur Town police station. The complaint alleged that Vijayabaskar had dumped the sand without proper authorisation and demanded the immediate seizure of the material. On Thursday, police registered a case against Vijayabaskar under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 21(1) of the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, marking a serious legal escalation.
Background of Controversial Actions
According to sources, this incident is part of a broader pattern. Just a day earlier, on February 10, Vijayabaskar and AIADMK cadres had seized around 10 vehicles, including trucks and earthmovers, allegedly involved in sand smuggling near Mallampalayam in the Cauvery river area. These vehicles were handed over to police at the Vangal police station.
Vijayabaskar's proactive move, however, triggered strong protests from bullock-cart workers, who accused him of blocking their traditional sand collection activities. The situation escalated when protestors attempted to besiege his residence, highlighting the contentious nature of sand mining in the region. Ironically, Vijayabaskar himself has now been booked for similar illegal possession, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Additional Illegal Sand Dump Found
In a related inspection, officials discovered hundreds of units of sand dumped at a nearby site owned by a woman named K Samiyaathal. Her son-in-law, Dhanapal, who is also an AIADMK functionary, is alleged to have been responsible for dumping the sand. When officials attempted to seize the river sand, local AIADMK cadres staged protests, further complicating enforcement efforts.
Based on a separate complaint from the VAO, a distinct case has been registered in connection with this incident, underscoring the widespread nature of illegal sand activities in the area.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in regulating sand mining in Tamil Nadu, with political figures now facing legal scrutiny for activities they previously sought to police.
