Bantwal: Nine boats have been sized here at Nandavara Sajipamunnur village, which were used for illegal sand mafia recently.

The joint operation was carried by revenue officials and police personnel. They shifted the laborers sheds hailing from Bihar. The Bantwal Tahshildar Purandhar Hegde warned the laborers of strict action against illegal sand mining.

The locals had demanded an end to the sand mafia in Nandavara and had also written to the gram panchayath warning of protest on April 4. They demanded action on illegal sand transport or they wanted it to be made legal. The locals had alleged that they did not get any positive response from the officials.

As per the demands made by the public, the district commissioner warned strict action against those engaged in the sand mafia. Thus on April 4, police conducted a raid and seized more than 15 lorries and imposed a fine.