Tue Sep 09 23:30:00 UTC 2025: ## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**Three Arrested for Illegal Sand Mining in Tirupattur and Vellore Districts**
**TIRUPATTUR, September 10, 2025** – Authorities in Tirupattur and Vellore districts have arrested three individuals in connection with illegal sand mining from the dry riverbed of the Palar river. The arrests were made on Tuesday in separate incidents.
Kandali police apprehended R. Mariappan, 32, and C. Suriya, 30, both residents of Kakangarai village in Tirupattur, while they were allegedly mining sand on the Natrampalli – Tirupattur Main Road near Tirupattur town. Police reports indicate the two men were in the process of loading sand into a tipper lorry using an earthmover. According to the investigation, the illegally obtained sand was intended for sale to local private builders. The Kandali police have seized the tipper lorry and earthmover.
In a separate incident, Ponnai police arrested N. Velu, 29, a resident of Vellore, on the Ponnai – Tiruvalam Main Road. Velu, who is an electrician, was found in possession of two bags filled with river sand while riding a two-wheeler. He admitted to mining the sand from the riverbed.
Cases have been registered against all three individuals. Ponnai police are continuing their investigation into Velu’s activities. Further details are awaited as the investigations progress.
First Piper 