Police seize sand truck and arrest driver in Goa's Curtorim
The arrest follows local residents intercepting eight sand-laden trucks in the Khorje area a day earlier.
Maina-Curtorim police seized a truck and arrested a driver on Wednesday morning at Khorje for the alleged illegal transport of sand from the Zuari river, according to Urban Acres.
The police arrested 46-year-old Valentino Fernandes, a resident of Sao Jose de Areal. Authorities recovered about 10 cubic metres of sand, which is estimated to be worth Rs 25,000.
This seizure occurred one day after local villagers intercepted at least eight trucks carrying sand in the same area and handed them over to the police.
A case has been registered against the driver under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals Act and Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Residents alleged that clandestine sand extraction has occurred for years and claimed that machines operating at night disturb sleep. They also alleged that sand extraction has caused cracks in houses near the river.
Villagers have demanded a sustained crackdown, noting that illegal activity continues in other parts of South Goa. They also stated that trucks previously used for iron ore are now being used for the sand trade.