Mangaluru: Police have raided a site where illegal laterite stone and soil mining was allegedly being carried out in Bantwal taluk, seizing vehicles, machinery and other equipment used in the operation. A case has been registered against the alleged operator and others under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules. Further investigation is underway.
Raid conducted following credible information
According to the police, Vittal Police Sub-Inspector Ramakrishna received credible information on the evening of July 2 about illegal mining activities in the area.
Acting on the tip-off, the officer, along with police personnel, proceeded to Muguli in Karopady village of Bantwal taluk to verify the information.
On noticing the arrival of the police team, the persons allegedly engaged in illegal laterite stone mining fled the spot, abandoning the machinery and equipment used for the activity.
Illegal mining operations uncovered
During the inspection, police found that illegal extraction of laterite stone was being carried out at the site. Machinery used for the mining operation was found and seized.
The police also discovered that illegal soil mining was being conducted in the nearby area.
Officials further found a weighbridge and a building that had allegedly been constructed for weighing lorries transporting the illegally excavated soil. Other equipment and machinery suspected to have been used in the mining operations were also recovered from the site.
All the seized vehicles, machinery and equipment have been taken into police custody for further legal proceedings.
Case registered against accused
Police have registered a case at Vittal Police Station against Muligadde Zakaria and others for allegedly carrying out mining operations without obtaining a valid licence.
The case has been registered as Crime No. 148/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Sections 4(1) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Sections 3 and 44 of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1994.
Investigation continues
Police are continuing the investigation to identify all those involved in the alleged illegal mining activities and to ascertain the extent of the unauthorised excavation.
Officials are also expected to verify whether the accused possessed any valid permissions for mining operations and to determine the environmental and financial impact of the alleged illegal extraction.
Further legal action will be initiated based on the findings of the investigation.
