'Senthilbalaji enabled illegal sand mining'

Karur: Former AIADMK minister M R Vijayabaskar on Tuesday accused Karur MLA V Senthilbalaji of betraying bullock cart workers and enabling rampant illegal sand mining in the Cauvery basin. He was speaking after visiting the family of Manivasagam, who was recently murdered in a sand mining-related dispute in Vangal.

Vijayabaskar alleged that the DMK govt had turned a blind eye to illegal sand mining operations, with officials aiding the activity in exchange for bribes. He claimed that Senthilbalaji had promised to allow sand mining through bullock carts during his election campaign but later allowed largescale operations using trucks. "Now, with elections approaching, he is shedding crocodile tears," he said.

Vijayabaskar blamed police inaction for Manivasagam's death and said complaints to the district administration were ignored.. "Action will be taken once AIADMK returns to power," he said, vowing to expose all those involved.