Local sand miners stopped sand-laden lorries that were bound for various parts of the district from Tiruchy, on the Madurai-Theni Road. The local sand miners took 13 lorries to the Collectorate.
The drivers of the lorry were having a nap when the vehicle keys were forcibily taken away from them and ignition wires cut, claimed P Ravi, one of the drivers. The sand was being transported to Andipatti, Vadipatti and other areas.
Ravi also claimed that they had all the required documents for the transportation of sand from Tiruchy to other parts of the State. Another driver, Kesavan, said rivalry could be the reason for the local sand miners resorting to these steps. “Since our prices are lower there have been some problems with local sand miners, which could be the reason for our vehicles being stopped,” he said.
“We sell 3.75 units for `13,000 whereas the local sand miners, who mine sand from places like Tanjore, sell 2.45 units for `11,000,” he added.
None of the officials or police made any visit or recorded statements from us, said Kesavan.v The driver claimed that M Muniyandi who was transporting sand to Sankarankoil had stopped for fuel on Rameswaram Road when he was beaten up by miscreants and taken to the Collectorate.
When approached, assistant director of mines,
Arumugam said the vehicles had crossed their time limit and their transport permits did not have proper destinations. He further added that the action taken by the local miners, who seized the vehicles, was inappropriate.