Serious allegations of large-scale illegal quarrying have surfaced from Tirunelveli district, where more than 20 stone quarries are reportedly operating in a single location near Radhapuram, in the Irukkanthurai area. Aerial visuals from the site show extensive excavation, raising questions about regulatory oversight and environmental damage.

According to activists and local residents, over 20 quarries are functioning side by side in the same area, far exceeding what is typically permitted under quarrying regulations. While quarry operations are governed by strict rules relating to distance from agricultural land, residential areas, and groundwater sources, the current situation is alleged to be in blatant violation of these norms.

Activists claim that although government permissions allow quarrying up to a maximum depth of 25 metres, stone and gravel extraction at the site has gone as deep as 100 metres. They further allege that quarrying continues even after lease periods have expired, making the operations entirely illegal. The deep excavation is said to pose a severe threat to groundwater levels, nearby farmlands, and residential structures.

Environmental groups have accused officials from the Revenue Department and the Department of Geology and Mining of collusion, alleging that enforcement has been deliberately lax. According to estimates cited by activists, illegal quarrying in the area has caused a revenue loss of nearly ₹500 crore to the state government.

Subramanian, leader of the Green and Environment Protection Organisation, has filed formal complaints with the Director of Geology and Mining and the District Collector, questioning how permissions were granted for more than 20 quarries to operate in one location. He has also demanded that authorities conduct a detailed measurement of excess extraction, recover financial losses from quarry operators, and initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible.

Further allegations include serious safety violations. As per rules, abandoned quarry sites must be secured with protective barriers to prevent accidents, but activists claim no such safeguards have been put in place. There are also accusations that transport norms are being flouted, with lorries permitted to carry 13 metric tonnes allegedly transporting up to 30 tonnes, and single transport permits being reused multiple times.

Residents have also complained that illegally extracted stones and gravel are being smuggled into neighbouring Kerala, damaging local roads and increasing traffic hazards. Heavy quarry vehicles are said to be speeding through villages, creating fear among pedestrians and schoolchildren.

Activists and local groups are demanding immediate intervention by the district administration and police, calling for strict enforcement of mining regulations, environmental protection measures, and accountability from officials responsible for monitoring quarry operations.

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The post Illegal Quarrying Bonanza In Tirunelveli: Activists Accuse Officials Of Collusion appeared first on The Commune.

Former IAS officer U. Sagayam, who unearthed the massive granite scam in Tamil Nadu in 2014 while serving as a court-appointed special officer, has raised serious concerns over his inability to appear before a special court in Madurai, citing threats to his life.

In a letter addressed to the Special Public Prosecutor of the Special Court for Mines and Minerals in Madurai, Sagayam explained that he could not comply with the court’s summons requiring him to appear on 26 March to present evidence related to the scam.

Dated 25 March, his letter noted that he had previously been provided armed security following a 2014 directive from the Madras High Court, recognizing the potential danger linked to his role as Legal Commissioner investigating illegal granite mining operations.

However, he stated that the security arrangement was discontinued in May 2023 by the Tamil Nadu government—without seeking the High Court’s consent. Sagayam criticized the decision, attributing it to a committee of senior police officers whose conclusion to withdraw his protection, he argued, was unfair and lacked objectivity.

He contended that the officers failed to properly evaluate the serious nature of the offences, the scale of corruption involved, and the powerful vested interests in the granite mining industry. He added that the substantial financial losses to the state—revealed in his investigation—further warranted ongoing protection.

Before approaching the court, Sagayam had appealed to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to reinstate his security cover, but his request went unheeded.

Pointing to Murders as Evidence of Risk

Sagayam highlighted recent violent incidents to underscore the dangers faced by whistleblowers. He referenced the murder of Jagabar Ali in Pudukottai, reportedly killed by the illegal quarry mafia in January 2025, and the attempted murder of Zakir Hussain in Tirunelveli. Sagayam stated that such attacks demonstrated the deteriorating law and order situation and showed that criminal networks in the mining sector operated with impunity.

In his letter to the court, Sagayam wrote that law-abiding citizens and activists lived in constant fear, adding, “It’s a free run for hardened criminals.” Until his security is reinstated, he declared that he would be unable to comply with any future court summons.

Uncovering a Scam Worth Over ₹1 Lakh Crore

Sagayam’s landmark 600-page report submitted to the Madras High Court in November 2015 exposed large-scale illegal granite extraction around Melur in Madurai district, dating back to the 1990s. His investigation estimated the direct loss to the state at ₹65,154.60 crore. With penalties and recovery costs, the total impact could rise to around ₹1.06 lakh crore.

Whistleblower Transfers and Systemic Resistance

Sagayam’s involvement began when, as Madurai District Collector in 2012, he submitted a confidential report to the state government highlighting illegal quarrying worth ₹16,000 crore. Within a day of his submission, he was transferred. His successor, Anshul Mishra, took stringent action, shutting down 94 quarries and freezing financial accounts linked to the operations. He too was transferred soon after submitting his findings to the government.

The Madras High Court later appointed Sagayam as Commissioner of Inquiry following a PIL. The investigation led to the suspension and transfer of several government officials, including those from Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) and two former District Collectors—C. Kamaraj and N. Mathivanan.

Criminal Charges and High-Profile Involvement

Nearly 98 FIRs were filed between 2012 and 2013, targeting officials from the Revenue and Mines departments and several private mining companies. Notably, companies like Olympus Granites (allegedly linked to Durai Dayanidhi, son of former Union Minister M.K. Alagiri), PRP Exports (owned by P.R. Palanichamy), and Sindhu Granites were named in the investigations.

Today, the once-thriving granite mining sector in Madurai has nearly ground to a halt due to ongoing criminal proceedings and public scrutiny.

Sagayam has requested that his security be reinstated and demanded strict action against both criminal elements and complicit officials. He confirmed to Frontline that he had also written to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court about his situation, adding tersely, “I have nothing more to say.”

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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The post Ex-IAS Sagayam Declines Court Appearance, Cites Threat To Life Over Granite Scam; Slams State For Withdrawing Security appeared first on The Commune.

A few days ago, in a major crackdown on illegal mineral smuggling, authorities seized three heavy vehicles involved in unauthorized mining operations—two of which belong to Sharook Khan, the son of Coimbatore Madukkarai DMK Municipality Chairwoman Noorjahan Naser. The case exposes yet another instance of large-scale looting of Tamil Nadu’s natural resources under the DMK regime.

அனுமதியின்றி கேரளாவுக்குக் கனிமவளங்களைக் கடத்தியதாக, கோயம்புத்தூர் மதுக்கரை திமுக நகராட்சித் தலைவர் திருமதி. நூர்ஜகான் அவர்களது மகன் திரு. ஷாரூக்கான் என்பவருக்குச் சொந்தமான இரண்டு டாரஸ் லாரிகள், கோயம்புத்தூர் மாவட்ட கனிம வளத்துறையினரால் கைப்பற்றப்பட்டுள்ளன.

தமிழகத்தில் திமுக… pic.twitter.com/xPE6rsZFXb

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 16, 2025

Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered

Acting on multiple complaints of illegal mineral smuggling from Coimbatore to Kerala, officials from the Geology and Mining Department, along with local authorities, launched inspections in the Madukkarai and Kinathukadavu areas. Following direct orders from the Additional Chief Secretary of the Natural Resources Department, Phanindra Reddy, and the Commissioner of the Geology and Mining Department, Saravana Velraj, a raid was carried out on 14 March 2025.

During vehicle checks on the Palathurai – Thirumalaiyampalayam road near Madukkarai, officers stopped two tipper trucks. Upon inspection, it was revealed that both were illegally transporting six units of minerals without permits. The truck drivers, realizing they had been caught, fled the scene, abandoning the vehicles. Further investigation revealed that the trucks were owned by Sharook Khan. Officials immediately seized the vehicles and registered a case against those involved.

Meanwhile, in Kinathukadavu, another truck carrying illegal minerals without documentation was also confiscated.

DMK Municipality Chairwoman’s Son Sharook Khan’s Vehicles Seized For Illegal Mining And Smuggling Resources To Kerala

In a major crackdown on illegal mineral smuggling in Coimbatore, officials from the Geology and Mining Department, alongside the local authorities, seized three… pic.twitter.com/HAcMuDkT0G

— The Commune (@TheCommuneMag) March 15, 2025

The DMK’s Mining Mafia

The exposure of Sharook Khan’s illegal mining operation has once again highlighted the rampant looting of Tamil Nadu’s mineral resources under the DMK rule. Ever since the party came to power, large-scale smuggling has continued unabated, causing a severe shortage of essential building materials and driving up construction costs for ordinary citizens.

Despite these illegal activities being widespread, only a handful of trucks have been seized, while thousands more continue to cross into Kerala unchecked. The question remains—when will the DMK government take real action against the politically connected mining mafia operating along the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border?

While Tamil Nadu’s natural wealth is plundered, the DMK government remains a mute spectator. With officials now cracking down on select cases, will this be the beginning of genuine accountability, or just another cover-up to protect those in power?

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The post Meet Dravidian Stock Sharook Khan, Caught Red-Handed in Illegal Mining Racket appeared first on The Commune.

The Madras High Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the large-scale illegal mining of beach sand minerals (BSM) in Tamil Nadu, which has been taking place since 2000-01. The order was issued on 17 February 2025, by a bench comprising Hon’ble Justice S.M. Subramanian and Hon’ble Justice M. Jothiraman. The court has directed the CBI to investigate potential collusion between politicians, government officials, and private mining companies in the illicit extraction of minerals, including garnet and thorium, from the state’s coastal areas.

Following the court’s order, the Tamil Nadu government has issued notices to several companies demanding royalties for the illegally mined minerals. The companies and the amounts sought from them are as follows:

• V.V. Minerals – ₹913 crore
• TVL Industrials – ₹276 crore
• Transworld Garnet – ₹196 crore
• Beach Mineral Sand Company and its sister concern – ₹425.64 crore
• Ocean Garnet Sands – ₹191 crore

The government has estimated a total revenue loss of ₹5,882 crore due to unauthorized mining operations in the districts of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari. Officials have stated that in Tuticorin district alone, the revenue loss amounts to ₹2,002 crore.

The issue has also drawn attention from devotees and temple organizations. The president of the Temple Worshipers’ Association, TR Ramesh, has alleged that several lakh tons of mineral sand were illegally extracted from thousands of acres of land belonging to the Sri Kari Sastha Karudaiyar Temple in Navaladi Panchayat, near Vetiyaanvilai in Tirunelveli district. He has demanded that the temple administration receive at least ₹1,000 crore in compensation from the illegally mined revenue.

Ramesh has further stated that the extracted minerals, particularly garnet and thorium, were exported abroad without permission, raising concerns over national security. He cited a past case filed in the courts by an individual named Kannadasan, who later withdrew it due to alleged political pressure. He has urged the CBI to conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal sand mining from temple lands and to take strict action against those involved.

Hon'ble Justice Shri S.M. Subramanian and Hon'ble Justice Shri M. Jothiraman of the Madras High Court on 17.02.2025 ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to find out if there was a nexus between politicians, government officials and private miners in the massive… pic.twitter.com/2iXEOD5BB5

— trramesh (@trramesh) February 26, 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has stated that district collectors have been instructed to collect the amounts due from the companies involved. The administration has assured that it will fully cooperate with the CBI investigation and provide all necessary records.

Activists and legal experts have reiterated that the large-scale illicit extraction of thorium poses a threat to national security. They have urged the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of mining regulations and to take decisive action against those responsible for the extensive environmental and economic damage caused by these illegal operations.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The post Tamil Nadu’s ₹5,882 Crore Mineral Mining Scam: Sri Kari Sastha Karudaiyar Temple Lands Exploited, Devotees Seek ₹1,000 Crore Royalty For Temple appeared first on The Commune.

On 27 January 2025, the Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owners’ Federation threatened to organize a procession to meet the Governor if their concerns about the smuggling of minerals to Karnataka through Hosur are not addressed.

S. Yuvaraj, the president of the federation, told reporters that around 80,000 to 100,000 tonnes of resources, including gravel, m-sand, and wet-mix, are being illegally transported to Karnataka every day via Hosur. Despite raising the issue since 2020, he claimed that the government has taken no action. “The government has shown no willingness to intervene,” he said.

Yuvaraj also highlighted that many quarries in Krishnagiri district are owned by individuals from both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, leading to significant losses for the Tamil Nadu government. “If the government continues to ignore this, the mountains along the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border could be depleted within a few years,” he warned.

He pointed out that the 38 stone crushers in Krishnagiri produce between 5,000 and 6,000 tons of m-sand daily. He raised concerns over the ease with which illegal transportation continues, questioning how officials from various departments, including police and revenue, can allow the illegal movement of minerals in 4,000 lorries every day.

Yuvaraj also accused the manual issuance of transit passes for enabling widespread corruption, claiming that the 500 transit passes issued daily were being used to facilitate the smuggling operations.

“We have appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene and put an end to the illegal mining and smuggling activities,” Yuvaraj stated. He called for the establishment of Lokayukta in at least 10 districts to hold officials accountable for failing to address the illegal mining complaints. “If the government does not act, we will organize a procession to meet the Governor in February to press for action,” he added.

In a recent report by Vikatan, lorry owners shared the growing challenges they face amidst ongoing mineral smuggling and illegal mining activities. S. Yuvaraj, the president of the federation, expressed frustration over the treatment of quarry owners, stating that while the individuals responsible for mineral theft are not jailed, but lorry drivers and their owners are also being incarcerated. “It was only after Enforcement Directorate raids on sand theft the mining completely stopped. For the past year, the construction industry has mainly relied on M-sand, which is cheaper and preferred by contractors. The issue lies in the production of M-sand,” he explained.

He continued by highlighting the permissions granted to 506 individuals to produce M-sand, with operations running through nearly 4,000 crushers until June 2021. However, these permissions were never renewed, yet many crushers continue to operate, with an additional 1,000 crushers now running without authorization. When questioned, the owners claim to have approval from the Pollution Control Board, but the Board only issues permits related to pollution control, not mining. The lorry owner pointed out that these operations lack proper legal approval, and no one knows the extent of mountain destruction, as only handwritten bills are issued. He further stressed the need for a computerized billing system, similar to other states, to track mining activities and ensure accountability.

“Despite repeated requests, the government has ignored calls for a more transparent system. If computerized bills were in place, it would be easier to monitor illegal mining beyond the approved limits,” the lorry owner argued. He added that when honest officials attempt to investigate, they are often transferred. “As soon as this (DMK) government takes office, more mountains are auctioned off, and destruction escalates. Crushers have machines capable of processing 500-1,000 tons of M-sand per hour, which means even more mountains are being mined.”

The issue is most severe in regions like Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Tirunelveli. “Across Tamil Nadu, 120-130 hills are being destroyed for M-sand, with 70 located in Hosur alone. This area doesn’t even have enough construction activity to justify such extensive mining,” the federation head lamented. The extracted M-sand is transported to Karnataka, with 4,000 truckloads leaving daily, each carrying 30-50 tons. Despite the widespread illegal activity, lorry owners are still required to pay fees and taxes for their loads.

The report also touched on a legal contradiction regarding ‘Transit Passes’. “The court has stated that a ‘Transit Pass’ isn’t required for transporting finished products. But whenever there’s an issue at the quarry, our trucks are the first to be seized. We are charged with theft and smuggling for not having a ‘Transit Pass,’” the lorry owner federation head said. He cited the case of eight trucks seized after the murder of a social activist in Pudukkottai, where the truck owners were falsely charged with theft and sent to jail, while no action was taken against the quarry owners responsible for the illegal activities.

To alleviate these issues, the lorry owners have requested an electronic tracking system, such as an e-way pass, to document and monitor mineral extraction and transportation. “With a computerized system, we could easily track how much resource is being extracted and exported, but the authorities are not taking action,” they said. The lorry owners also pointed out that many local politicians are involved in illegal mining operations, which explains the lack of progress on the issue. “If nothing is done soon, the resources in Hosur and Krishnagiri will be completely exhausted,” they warned.

(With inputs from DT Next & Vikatan)

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The post “4,000 Trucks Leave Daily, Govt Shows No Willingness To Act”, TN Lorry Owners Slam Inaction On Sand Smuggling, Threaten Protest Over Illegal Mining appeared first on The Commune.

Despite widespread condemnation following the death of a social activist who spoke out against illegal mining mafia in Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK has shown little interest in addressing the issue. Illegal mining operations continue unabated, with criminal mafia gangs exploiting the state’s resources with apparent impunity, backed by the support of the administration. In Coimbatore district, for example, a new wave of illegal mining activity is taking place, with multiple gangs vying for control of the quarrying sector.

According to a report by Dinamalar, the “Karur team” has resurfaced in Coimbatore’s quarries, competing with the “Pudukkottai gang,” which has ties to the ruling party. This has apparently led to unrest in the mineral resources industry. The district has 74 quarries in the Kinathukadavu taluka, 32 of which have been abandoned, while 42 are still operational. These active quarries, including those in Arasampalayam, Vadaputhur, and Muthur, which are plagued by severe violations, causing significant problems for local farmers and the public. Despite numerous complaints to authorities, no action has been taken to curb these illegal activities.

These violations include exceeding the government’s permitted mining limits, using trip tickets multiple times, and overloading tipper trucks with minerals, resulting in extra charges of ₹400 per unit. The Pudukkottai gang has been extorting money from quarry operators in Kinathukadavu, while the Karur gang has now entered the scene to compete for control, collecting ₹400 per unit from each quarry. This extortion is raking in an estimated ₹10 lakh per day, as up to 500 trucks transport minerals from these quarries to Kerala and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

The gangs have also gained control over the trip ticket issuance process, which should normally cost ₹1,600 per ticket. Instead, they have raised the price to ₹2,700, pocketing an additional ₹1,100 per ticket. This results in a daily illegal income of over ₹5 lakh in the Kinathukadavu area alone. In some cases, quarry owners who attempt to operate legitimately are denied trip tickets, while those who cooperate with the gangs are promised consistent payments. If quarry owners resist, they face threats and heavy fines.

The government’s response has been lackluster, as officials from the Mineral Resources Department, the police, and other agencies turn a blind eye to the situation. Meanwhile, new quarry licenses are being denied, exacerbating the issue. As a result, the price of stones has surged, with the cost of a unit rising from ₹1,300 to ₹1,800, putting pressure on construction companies.

One quarry owner shared that operating a quarry honestly is becoming increasingly difficult due to pressure from high-ranking political figures. Many government officials, influenced by party members, are said to be overlooking illegal activities, such as reusing trip tickets for multiple days. This results in significant financial losses for the state. The parties involved even “take care” of the officials who turn a blind eye to the violations, while those who resist face the threat of transfer.

Moreover, the amount of minerals extracted from these quarries is routinely inflated. For instance, the quantity of minerals loaded onto trucks is double the allowable limit. Minerals extracted under the Kinathukadavu pass are transported to Kerala through various check posts, with the load often exceeding the prescribed amount by a large margin.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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The post Tamil Nadu’s Mining Mafia: Extortion And Exploitation Under DMK’s Watch appeared first on The Commune.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai has criticized the DMK government for failing to take strong action in past cases involving the murders of anti-quarry activists has led to the death of another activist in Thirumayam, Pudukottai district. He warned the DMK government that it would face serious consequences if the case is mishandled by only arresting the lorry driver and others, while allowing the true perpetrators remain unpunished.

On 19 January 2025, Annamalai via his official X account stated, “The news that Jagbar Ali, the Secretary of the District Amateur Kabaddi Association and a prominent social activist from the Thirumayam area of Pudukottai district, has been killed by mineral resource looters who ran him over with a lorry is very shocking. Jagbar Ali played a major role in the successful conduct of the Modi Kabaddi League matches in Pudukkottai district. He was active in various fields, including natural resource conservation and the prevention of mineral resource theft. Regarding the mineral theft, even after he met with the Thirumayam Taluk tahsildar and complained 15 days ago, raised the issue with the Assistant Director of the District Mineral Resources Department and the District Collector multiple times, but no action was taken. Now, he has been sacrificed. Tamil Nadu is ruled by anti-social elements and looters to the extent that those who work with the noble aim of protecting natural resources are losing their lives. If government officials and social activists who try to stop the looting of minerals are being killed, what can we say except that the DMK government has emboldened them by repeatedly stating that they can loot sand within ten minutes of coming to power? The DMK government has set a very bad precedent by not taking action against the mineral looters and betraying the person who filed the complaint by revealing his identity. We demand justice for Jagbar Ali’s death. Not only the mineral thieves, but all the officials who failed to take action on the complaints he made are responsible for his death. A proper investigation should be conducted, and action should be taken against all of them. Furthermore, I warn that the DMK government will face very serious consequences if it tries to divert the case by arresting only the lorry driver and others, leaving aside the real culprits behind this murder—the mineral looters.” 

புதுக்கோட்டை மாவட்டம் திருமயம் பகுதியைச் சேர்ந்த, மாவட்ட அமெச்சூர் கபடி கழகச் செயலாளரும், சிறந்த சமூக ஆர்வலருமான திரு. ஜெகபர் அலி அவர்கள், கனிம வளக் கொள்ளையர்களால் லாரி ஏற்றிப் படுகொலை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார் என்ற செய்தி மிகுந்த அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.

புதுக்கோட்டை மாவட்டத்தில், மோடி… pic.twitter.com/0vbJKZFSPz

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) January 19, 2025

Current Case Status

On 19 January 2025, the Thirumayam police arrested four individuals, including a lorry owner, in connection with the suspicious death of activist K. Jagbar Ali. The 58-year-old AIADMK member and outspoken critic of illegal mining was reportedly killed after being run over by a lorry near Thirumayam on 17 January 2025.

Jagbar Ali, a resident of Vengalur in Thirumayam taluk, was well-known for his efforts to combat illegal quarrying in the area. According to reports, on 17 January afternoon, Ali was returning home on his two-wheeler after attending prayers at a mosque when a lorry struck him, resulting in his immediate death.

Ali’s wife, Maryam, filed a complaint at the Thirumayam police station the next day, alleging foul play. She explained that her husband had frequently raised concerns about local stone quarry irregularities and even took legal action in the Madurai High Court against illegal mining operators. Maryam further stated that Ali had previously reported receiving death threats from those involved in the illegal activities. She believes the lorry deliberately ran him over.

Ali’s brothers, who reportedly witnessed the incident, also suggested that the way the lorry struck Ali raised suspicions of premeditation. In her complaint, Maryam pointed out that individuals associated with a quarrying company in Thulaiyanur might be connected to the incident and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.

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The post BJP TN Chief Annamalai Slams DMK Govt Over Activist Jagbar Ali’s Murder, Demands Justice Amid Allegations Of Inaction On Illegal Mining appeared first on The Commune.

A video that has surfaced on social media and shared by BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai shows a prominent DMK functionary from Pudhukottai who has allegedly been involved in illegal red sand mining.

The accused DMK functionary not only engaged in unauthorized mining activities but also resorted to intimidating tactics when confronted by a whistleblower and the local Village Administrative Officer (VAO).

The incident came to light when a courageous individual exposed the illicit red sand mining operations undertaken by the DMK functionary. Subsequently, the whistleblower and the VAO faced severe threats and intimidation from the accused DMK functionary.

In a damning video expose, a bold individual captured footage of a JCB engaged in illegal red sand mining, allegedly led by a DMK functionary in Pudhukottai. The whistleblower, undeterred by the potential risks, instructs viewers to inform the Tahsildhar and diligently notes down the number plate details of the vehicles involved.

The situation takes a hostile turn as the DMK functionary, evidently perturbed by the exposure of the illicit activities, launches a verbal assault on the person behind the camera. In a heated exchange, the accused questions the whistleblower’s motives, sneering, “Is this your work all the time? What can you do with this?”

The vigilant individual stands firm, responding, “The Thasildhar will come, and I will show him the recording. If a member of the ruling party is involved in extracting sand illegally, will you keep coming like this?”

In a brazen display of arrogance, the DMK functionary dismisses the questioning, retorting, “Who the *** are you to question?” The verbal altercation escalates further as the accused threatens the whistleblower, ominously stating, “I will finish you. I’m warning you.”

The DMK functionary then boasts about his political affiliation and position within the ruling party, arguing, “I belong to the ruling party, holding a position. If I cannot extract sand for my own needs, what is the need of this government?”

This unapologetic admission raises serious concerns about the extent of corruption and abuse of power within the ruling party, casting a dark shadow over the integrity of the government’s operations.

The video capturing the confrontation and threats was made public by Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai via his official X handle.

Pudhukottai DMK functionary takes the liberty to illegally mine red sand. He goes one step further and confronts the whistleblower & the VAO with threats for exposing this illegal sand mining.

Daylight robbery such as these is not accounted for in the ₹4700 Crore loss caused… pic.twitter.com/2CbhsYwN61

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) December 1, 2023

In April 2023, a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) in Thoothukudi was hacked to death in broad daylight inside his office allegedly by the sand mafia in Murapanadu in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.

Of late, illegal sand mining involving DMK functionaries including senior Ministers have been making news with ED launching probe to establish the money laundering trail.

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The post DMK Functionary Issues Threats To Officials Following Exposé Of Illegal Red Sand Mining In Pudhukottai appeared first on The Commune.