Tamil Nadu: Social Activist Opposing Illegal Mining Killed; Four Arrested

The victim, K Jagbar Ali, a resident of Vengalur in Thirumayam taluk, was a vocal opponent of illegal mining practices.

The suspects, including a lorry driver, were produced in court and remanded to judicial custody until February 3.

Source : Pixabay

Four persons, including a stone quarry owner, have been arrested in connection with the murder of an activist, who staunchly opposed to illegal mining activities. The victim, K Jagbar Ali, a resident of Vengalur in Thirumayam taluk, was a vocal opponent of illegal mining practices. He frequently filed complaints with district authorities, alleging violations such as extracting minerals beyond permitted limits.

On January 17, Ali was fatally knocked down while returning home on his motorcycle after offering prayers at a mosque. Initially treated as an accident, investigations later revealed it was a premeditated act orchestrated by individuals involved in illegal quarrying. The suspicions came after Ali's wife said that her husband had been receiving life threat for opposing illegal mining activities. 

"Initially, a case of death due to accident was registered but subsequently it was altered to preplanned murder," a police official said, as per a report on PTI.

The suspects, including a lorry driver, were produced in court and remanded to judicial custody until February 3.

In a post on social media platform X, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy confirmed the arrests and highlighted that the suspects were apprehended within hours of the crime. He also criticised AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for politicising the issue.

Palaniswami, in turn, demanded justice for Ali, an AIADMK functionary, and called for decisive action to curb illegal mining activities.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation. The Pudukkottai district unit of the CPI criticised revenue and police officials for alleged inaction on Ali's complaints and demanded an inquiry. Similarly, the CPI(M) district unit called for stringent measures to end illegal mining.

BJP state president Annamalai said that the government should not divert the case or let away the real culprit.