Labourer shot dead while extracting sand in Curchorem

In what appears to be internal rivalry among the sand mining mafia, one labourer was shot dead in the dead of the night, while another injured in a shooting incident at Maad, Bansai, which falls at the deep end of Curchorem.

Police gave the name of the deceased as Yusuf Alam, 23, from Jharkhand, who died on the spot due to the gunshot in the night at around 1.30 on Thursday. The other labourer, Mohammed Sahu, 33, is said to be in a critical condition and is admitted to GMC

Sources said the deceased was extracting sand along with two of his co-workers, one of who was shot and injured. The third one, who was unhurt and is a witness in the case, said it was too dark to see the shooter, they added.

Coastal Police Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares said the three were extracting sand illegally in a canoe by taking advantage of the darkness and the festive occasion.

Sources said it appears that a country-made gun was used to shoot at the labourers.

The police have arrested five persons, who are accused of having a hand in the illegal sand extraction in the area and employing the three labourers to carry out the activity.

Sources said sand mining is completely banned in Curchorem and Sanvordem areas.

The incident, yet again, brings to light the illegal sand extraction trade over which environmentalists have raised apprehensions time and again.

The police said they are looking at a blind case, but have vowed to nab those behind the incident.