Illicit gravel miners arrested in Kallady

A group of four illicit gravel miners in Kallady forest reserve in Pudukuduiruppu was arrested by Mullaitivu Forest Conservation officials. Range Forest Officer Ruwan Galappatthi said machinery, equipment and vehicles including an excavator, and three tipper lorries were seized during the raid.

The suspects were between 22 and 25 years of age and residents of Jaffna and Mullaitivu areas and they had been carrying on the racket for a long time. Investigations revealed that they supplied earth and gravel to building sites in Jaffna.

A team of officials including Beat Forest Officer Asanga Gunatilleka, and Field Asst. V. Rithikesha carried out the raid on the instructions of Range Forest Officer Ruwan Galappatthi.