KOZHIKODE: A protest march led by the action committee against the illegal mining and soil extraction at the Pozhikkavu hill in Chelannur in Kozhikode for a national highway project resulted in a clash between the police and the locals. Heated altercations and scuffles broke out between the police and locals. Women, among others, were dragged along the road by the police, resulting in injuries to two women. The soil extraction was carried out in the area in violation of the High Court order.

Police allegedly stomped on Panchayat Standing Committee Chairman P Suresh Kumar with their boots during the protest. Nearly 20 people, including Chelannur Panchayat Vice President Gouri Puthiyothu, were arrested by the police and later released. Nikhila Porayil and M Sreeja, who sustained serious injuries, were admitted to Beach Hospital. Protest convenor Pradeep Kumar stated that the police attacked nearly 200 protesters without any provocation.

On January 15, the High Court had ordered the suspension of soil extraction till the District Collector submits a report on the petition filed by the strike committee against unscientific mining and soil extraction at the hill for the construction of the national highway.

A survey by the Geology Department had confirmed that the extraction was being carried out in an unsustainable manner. Following the survey submitted to the District Collector, soil extraction was halted and restrictions were placed on the movement of vehicles heavier than ten tons in the area. However, soil extraction resumed on Saturday under police protection, despite the clear guidelines and court order.

Soil extraction suspended

In response to the protests, Tahsildar AM Premlal and DySP VV Benny intervened and temporarily halted the excavation. Officials from the Geology and Revenue Departments are expected to visit the site today for an inspection. The protest committee remains firm in its stance, vowing to prevent further soil extraction in the area.