Karwar: Officials from the Revenue Department, led by Deputy Commissioner Gangubai Manakar, spearheaded a series of raids on illicit sand mining operations in various locations across Kumta and Ankola taluks. Four distinct teams, including one led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Prakash Rajput, were instrumental in the crackdown that commenced at 4 am. The targeted areas included Shirur in Ankola taluk, as well as Kodkani, Mirjana, Divagi, Tarebagil, and Hegde villages in Kumta taluks.

Speaking on the conditions of anonymity, a representative from the Revenue Department highlighted the escalating trend of nocturnal sand extraction and early-morning transportation within the district. To combat this, the decision was made to conduct the raids during the early hours.

Deputy Commissioner Gangubai Mankar emphasized that the raids were executed without prior notification to any other departments, including the Mines and Geology Department. The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the unlawful sand extraction activities. Deputy Commissioner Mankar further elucidated that the confiscated sand amounted to a value of Rs 2.5 lakh.

The operation involved the deployment of over 60 personnel, organized into four separate teams, utilizing 16 vehicles for the purpose. Notably, Kumta Assistant Commissioner Kalyani Kamble, Tahsildar Satish Gowda, Ankola Tahsildar Ashok Bhat, and several others were present throughout the raids.