Tirupati: Some Jana Sena leaders were attacked by miscreants linked to the YSRC in Duvvur village of Sangam mandal in Nellore district, on Sunday. The attack took place when Jana Sena leaders staged a protest against alleged illegal sand mining and transportation in the area.
For the past few days, locals of Duvvur and nearby villages have been distressed by the alleged sand smuggling activities. Large sand-laden lorries have been illegally transporting sand mined from the nearby river bed. On Friday, frustrated villagers attempted to stop these lorries, but were threatened by members of the local sand mafia. To support the villagers, Jana Sena leaders led by Sridhar converged in Duvvur on Sunday evening. They obstructed the movement of illegally mined sand.
However, these peaceful protests were met with violence. Dozens of miscreants, allegedly associated with the sand mafia, launched an attack on the Jana Sena leaders and protesters before fleeing the spot.
The injured Jana Sena leaders claimed to have lodged a police complaint after the attack, but no case has been registered yet. "The sand mafia enjoys political patronage. This is why no action has been taken against them. We will continue our protests until this illegal sand mining is stopped," said Sridhar.
Locals have appealed to the district administration and police officials to take stern action against the perpetrators of the attack. They also sought a complete clampdown on the unlawful sand mining activities that are rampant along the river bed in the area.
