Illegal beach sand mining: CBI team searches properties linked to VV Minerals

A 20-member team of the Central Bureau of Investigation reportedly searched properties linked to VV Minerals, which exports processed beach sand, and its promoter S. Vaikundarajan at Keeraikkaaranthattu near Thisaiyanvilai on Saturday. Meanwhile, officials of the Anti-Corruption Wing of the CBI conducted searches at multiple locations linked to family members of Mr. Vaikundarajan, the firm’s head office in Chennai, and others in connection with the scam. Directing the CBI to investigate the alleged illegal mining of minerals worth ₹5,832.44 crore from beaches in Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanniyakumari districts, the Madras High Court, in February, ordered a probe into the involvement of officials and the political nexus in this scam. It had also said that the Indian government was directed to scrutinise all financial and commercial transactions of the respondent mining companies dealing with beach sand mining, and refer the matter for investigation to the Directorate of Enforcement, the Income Tax Department, the Customs and Excise Department and the Commercial Taxes Department, and by any other competent agencies as required.