Mangaluru : “The sand mafia has grown highly in the district. The sand lords unafraid to take sands Bengaluru and Kerala. “the district administration does not curb the sand mafia which is a threat to people of the district, series of protests will be held,” said former minister Krishna J Palemar.

Speaking the media at Press club Mangalore on Wednesday November 30, he said When complaints are given to the mining and geology officers, they register FIR and keep quite. When asked about the progress, they say that in spite of the FIR, sand is transported to Bengaluru and Kerala.”

“When complained, no response comes from district in-charge minister or the deputy commissioner (DC). The person who gives the complaint against the illegal transportation gets life threat. So the in-charge minister and the people’s representatives must listen to the grievance of people and stop the mafia. If the district administration does not curb the mafia within a month, we will come to the streets and stage vigorous protests.” Palemar warned.

He also alleged that neither the District Minister nor the DC respond when a complaint is made. He further stated that those who lodged complaint themselves would get a threat. He warned of protests if steps were not taken to curb sand mafia within a month.

Rajesh Kottary and others were present at the occasion.