Two police constables attached with Walajah police in Ranipet were transferred to the Armed Reserve (AR) wing of the district police on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in illegal sand mining in the dry Palar river.
The constables were identified as K. Sampath Kumar, 38, and V. Manikandan, 26. They were working as constables in the Law and Order (L&O) wing of Walajah police for the past few years. The Superintendent of Police Ayman Jamal issued the order to transfer the duo to the AR wing of the district police.
Initial inquiry revealed the two have been constructing their own houses on Anaicut Main Road near Arcot town in the district for the past few months. They reportedly kept a huge quantity of river sand in the construction site for ongoing work. They were also allegedly involved in illegal sand mining in Palar river.
Based on complaints from residents, Ranipet SP Ms. Jamal ordered an inquiry that was led by G. Sakthi Ganesh, Inspector, Walajah police. The team found the duo was involved in illegal sand mining in the river. They also found a large quantity of river sand in the house site.
Subsequently, the team submitted its report to the SP. Based on the inquiry report, they were transferred and a probe is underway.
Published – February 19, 2026 05:30 am IST
