The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is currently investigating illegal sand mining in Tamil Nadu and has requested assistance from both the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IIT-Kanpur, as reported by The Hindu.
According to the report, ISRO will provide satellite images of mining locations. These images will be used to analyze the depth of sand extraction. Subsequently, IIT Kanpur will utilize this data to estimate the quantity of sand mined, aiding in the calculation of the tax revenue lost to the government.
The report also mentioned that A. Muthaiya, the Engineer in Chief and Chief Engineer General of the Water Resources Department, had earlier issued a request for information regarding illegal sand mining. However, he is currently on leave, with another officer temporarily assuming his duties.
Following a series of raids, the ED released a statement which read, “The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches at 34 locations, including 8 sand mining yards on 12/09/2023, across 6 districts in Tamil Nadu. These searches encompassed residential and business premises of various individuals, including S. Ramachandran, K. Rathinam, Karikalan, and their associates. Also targeted were Auditor P. Shanmugaraj and officials from the Water Resources Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, in connection with an illegal sand mining case.”
The statement went on to explain, “The ED’s investigation was initiated based on FIRs registered in different parts of Tamil Nadu, which revealed allegations of extensive illegal mining of river sand and gravel quarry, among other issues. Various complaints have been lodged with law enforcement agencies, highlighting the widespread practice of illegal mining throughout Tamil Nadu.”
The searches uncovered incriminating documents, including diaries and counterfeit sale receipts with bogus QR codes, suggesting illicit sand sales. Additionally, evidence of fraudulent transactions and the presence of benami companies was discovered. During the searches, a sum of ₹12.82 Crore was frozen, and unaccounted cash amounting to ₹ 2.33 Crore was seized, along with 1024.6 grams of gold valued at ₹56.86 Lakh.
(With inputs from Swarajya)
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