A group of goons allegedly obstructed authorities and retook a truck seized during a raid on illegal sand mining in Perumbakkam, sparking a police investigation.

After reports that several trucks were illegally carrying sand for construction and selling it for Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, officials identified a Taurus truck transporting sand without the necessary permits during their search on Monday, November 25. The truck, allegedly used to carry sand meant for agricultural purposes, was found illegally transporting construction sand.

Authorities pursued the vehicle after it failed to stop, with the occupants dumping sand on the road to create obstacles.

As the chase continued, another group of men on motorbikes arrived, riding dangerously close to the authorities’ vehicle in an attempt to hinder them. One official, who had entered the truck to verify permits, was forced to jump out when the truck suddenly stopped before reversing and escaping. The entire incident was captured on camera by the officials.

Following the incident, a complaint was filed with the District West Police. Two individuals, identified as Karthi and Manikandan, were arrested on charges related to obstruction and illegal sand mining.

The police have launched an investigation to trace others involved in the operation.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court, hearing petitions on illegal sand mining and unauthorized brick kilns in Coimbatore’s Perur taluk on Wednesday, warned of ordering a CBI probe if state authorities fail to act. A special division bench of Justices N Sathish Kumar and D Bharatha Chakravarthy expressed concern over officials allegedly colluding with the ‘sand mafia’ and noted that sand had been excavated up to 16 feet near reserve forests without action.