Fact-finding committee alleges conspiracy in Manair check dam blast

A fact-finding committee led by irrigation expert V. Prakash alleged a conspiracy behind the demolition of the Manair river check dam between Thanugula and Gumpula. The committee claimed the sand mafia blasted the dam using detonators to facilitate illegal sand transport.

Karimnagar: Members of fact-finding committee opined that there was a big conspiracy behind the demolition of the check dam in Manair river between Thanugula and Gumpula.

Troubles for illegal transportation of sand arose following the construction of check dams in Manair river. In order to clear hurdles, the sand mafia reportedly blasted the check dam by arranging detonators.

It was also established through the evidence available at the spot during their visit, members opined. The eleven-member committee led by irrigation expert V Prakash on Friday visited Manair and examined the damaged check dam.

Speaking on the occasion, they suspected that influential persons might be behind the incident since police, who registered the case by taking written complaints from the officials, have not taken any action so far and have not even identified anybody.

Commenting on Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Peddapalli MLA Vijayaramana Rao statements that the check dam was damaged due to defects, committee members questioned as to how they could interpret it as poor quality works without conducting any investigation. The Union minister and MLA were trying to protect the accused, they opined.

Multiple damages, death of a huge number of fish found near sand dunes and blast sound heard by the people nearby villages were clear evidence that the check dam was blasted. Two years ago, the sand mafia tried to blast a check dam in Hussenimia vagu in Peddapalli mandal.

However, local farmers foiled their attempt. So far, police have failed to identify the accused even if gelatin sticks, detonators, compressor machine and other explosive material were found at the spot.

Moreover, no action was taken on the complaint regarding the blast of Modigadda barrage. Doubts have been cropped up as a similar kind of incident took place in Thanugula, they said and demanded the government to punish the accused by conducting a comprehensive investigation.