Raichur
A heartrending incident has unfolded as villagers raise allegations of a fatal collision involving a student on his way to college and an illegal sand-laden tractor. Tragedy struck when Mallesh (17), a second PUC student, was en route from his village to Raichur city for college. In the early hours of Friday, a collision occurred in Kottadoddi village of Raichur taluk. The tractor, carrying illicit sand, collided with Mallesh, resulting in his untimely demise. The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the student in critical condition. Despite prompt transfer to the hospital, the villagers reported that Mallesh tragically passed away before reaching medical care. This incident brings to light the concerning situation surrounding illegal sand mining, which has seen an increase beyond legal limits. The abundant Tungabhadra river sand has sparked a demand that outpaces sanctioned extraction. Villagers have voiced concerns over the unauthorized transportation of sand, particularly occurring at night from Kottadoddy village. Reckless driving practices and haphazard vehicle operation are cited as contributing factors to such accidents. Despite calls for intervention from the police department to suppress illegal sand mining, allegations of complicity within the police force have fueled the persistence of this illicit activity. The result: sand transporters continue to operate with impunity. Amidst the grief and outcry, the villagers fervently demand justice for the deceased student, alongside appropriate compensation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent measures to regulate sand extraction and transport, safeguarding both lives and communities from such tragic outcomes.
