A demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the suspected smuggling of mineral sand from Kerala's Alappuzha-Kollam coastal areas is intensifying. This follows allegations involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited's payments to Veena T, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The anti-mining action council is also concerned about the ecological impact of unregulated mining.

• 01Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) allegedly made suspicious payments of ₹2.78 crore to Veena T, daughter of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
• 02The anti-mining action council claims that 60 lakh metric tonnes of mineral-rich sand were illegally smuggled from the region over the past five years.
• 03The disappearance of activist K Sajeevan in 2021, who opposed mining, raises suspicions about the mining operations.
• 04The council demands a ban on sea sand mining due to its ecological sensitivity, as unregulated mining has led to significant sea erosion.
• 05Documents seized from CMRL reportedly contain initials of several prominent politicians, indicating widespread involvement.

The ongoing mining activities and associated smuggling allegations threaten local communities and the environment, leading to significant property loss due to sea erosion.