News Tamil Nadu

Is DMK Govt Abetting Illegal Sand Mining In TN? Shocking Audio Of DMK MLA And Police Surfaces

June 12, 2023
The Commune

In a shocking development, a leaked telephone call recording on Twitter indicates in the direction of the alleged complicity of the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) government in aiding and abetting illegal sand mining activities in the state. The conversation reportedly took place between Annadurai, the DMK MLA of Pattukottai, and DSP Balaji, sparking widespread controversy and calls for investigation.

It has been reported that DSP Balaji had received confidential information regarding the illegal extraction of excess soil from Otteri lake in Thitakudi village near Pattukottai, Thanjavur district. Acting on this information, the taluk police seized several vehicles, including JCPs and tractors, involved in the unlawful operation. Similarly, vehicles engaged in excessive sand mining in Nasuvan Pond in Karambayam were also confiscated.

Subsequently, the leaked audio conversation between DMK MLA Annadurai and DSP Balaji surfaced on social media platforms, further intensifying the controversy. In the recording, MLA Annadurai is heard arguing in support of individuals who are said to have dumped soil in the lake area with alleged permission from the Tahsildar (revenue official). He claims that the Tahsildar had visited the site, informed him about the activities, and agreed to halt the digging.

DSP Balaji, on the other hand, expresses his concerns over the violation of prescribed limits and informs the DMK MLA that the allotted time for soil dumping has expired. Despite the DSP’s intentions to take appropriate legal action, the MLA asserts that the Tahsildar holds the authority in this matter and implies that the police should obey the Tahsildar’s instructions.

Following the leak, the DMK MLA’s alleged threatening tone in the conversation has attracted significant attention and raised serious questions about the DMK government’s commitment to curbing illegal sand mining.

In response to the leaked audio, the police promptly took action, seizing four JCPs and apprehending Matharasan (25), Kalaiyarasan (20), Sridhar (26), and Kumar (30) on charges related to illegal sand mining.

The authenticity of the leaked audio and its implications are now under investigation, as concerned citizens and opposition parties demand a thorough probe into the alleged involvement of the DMK MLA and potential corruption within the ruling government.

This development has once again highlighted the critical issue of illegal sand mining, which poses significant environmental hazards and threatens the sustainability of natural resources in the state and it also calls for appropriate action against those found guilty, irrespective of their political affiliations.

It is noteworthy to mention that in the run up to the 2021 Assembly elections, now DMK Liquor Minister Senthil Balaji had courted controversy when he said at a public meeting in Karur that there would be no ban on sand mining in the river beds after the DMK comes to power.

“Once Thalapathy (Stalin) takes oath as Chief Minister – if he takes oath at 11 AM, then at 11.05 AM – you all can directly take your bullock carts into the river for sand mining. No officials will stop you. If someone stops you call me immediately, he will be removed.”, Senthil Balaji had said.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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