Man involved in illegal sand mining held for threatening officials

A 33-year-old man was arrested by Sathuvachari police on Sunday for threatening revenue officials for preventing illegal sand mining in Palar river.

The arrested person was identified as N. Perumal, a native of Vellore’s Old Town. Along with a small gang, Perumal was involved in illegal sand mining in the dry river bed in recent weeks.

Initial inquiry revealed that Vellore SP N. Mathivanan formed special teams to conduct surprise checks at key intersections. Accordingly, along with local police, a team of revenue officials conducted a surprise check near Sathuvachari along the river. They found a gang, led by Perumal, was mining sand.

On seeing the officials, many of them fled the spot except Perumal. Immediately, the revenue officials and police rounded him up but he threatened them with dire consequences. However, the team overpowered him and brought him to the police station. Based on a complaint by revenue official S. Praveen, a case has been registered by Sathuvachari police. Later, Perumal was lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is under way.