Tue Jun 17 19:02:30 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A 75-year-old woman, K. Pappammal, and her son, K. Jayavel, were brutally attacked in Ilayanagaram village, Tirupattur, for objecting to illegal sand mining on the Kaanaru riverbed. The victims had previously complained to local authorities about the mining, which they claimed caused flooding during monsoons. The attackers assaulted Pappammal and Jayavel at the riverbed and later followed them to the hospital, where they continued the assault and damaged property. Police have registered a case and are searching for the absconding gang.
**News Article:**
**Elderly Woman and Son Attacked for Protesting Illegal Sand Mining in Tirupattur**
**Tirupattur, June 18, 2025** – A 75-year-old woman and her son were brutally assaulted in Ilayanagaram village near Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur, after they confronted a gang engaged in illegal sand mining. K. Pappammal, 75, and her son K. Jayavel, 43, were targeted for objecting to the unauthorized extraction of sand from the Kaanaru riverbed, a tributary of the Palar River, which they said caused frequent flooding of their farmland and the surrounding village.
According to police reports, Pappammal and her family had been farming the land near the river for many years and had recently noticed an increase in illegal sand mining activities. They had previously lodged complaints with local panchayat officials and the police, highlighting the detrimental impact of the mining on the environment and their livelihoods.
On Monday, when Pappammal and her son confronted the sand mining gang, they were attacked. After being rescued by neighbors, they were admitted to the Government Taluk Hospital in Vaniyambadi. The assailants then followed them to the hospital, where they continued the assault and allegedly damaged hospital property before police intervention.
“Based on a complaint by Srinivasan, Pappammal’s son, a case has been registered against the gang,” a police spokesperson stated. “Special teams have been formed to apprehend the suspects, who are currently absconding.”
The incident has raised concerns about the rampant illegal sand mining in the region and the safety of those who dare to speak out against it. Local activists are calling for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and increased protection for whistleblowers.
First Piper 