Mangaluru: Vittal police seized two trucks allegedly transporting laterite stones illegally from Kerala into Karnataka. According to police, Vittal PSI Ramakrishna received credible information that laterite stones were being illegally transported from Kerala towards Karnataka via the Peruvai route on Wednesday.Acting on the tip-off, police intercepted two trucks at Beripadavu in Peruvai village of Bantwal taluk. Upon questioning, the drivers were identified as Sadik, 25, and Mohammed, 46, residents of Vittal.
During interrogation, the drivers revealed that the laterite stones were loaded and sent by a person named Venu from Dharmathadka in Kerala. However, they failed to produce any valid permits or documents for transporting the minerals. Police took the drivers into custody and seized both trucks along with laterite red stones.A case was registered at Vittal police station under Section 303(2) of the BNS and Sections 4(1) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and Sections 3 and 44 of the Karnataka Minor Mineral Concession Rules. Investigation is on.
