Cop injured while trying to stop sand smuggling

A Sub-Inspector of Police was seriously injured today after being allegedly pushed down from a lorry while trying to prevent smuggling of sand near Pariyaram in neighbouring Kannur District, police said.
52-year-old SI K N Rajan climbed into the cabin of the lorry and tried to snatch the key when the driver allegedly pushed him down and drove away the vehicle, they said.
The SI who suffered serious head injuries has been admitted to Pariyaram Medical College Hospital, District Superintendent of Police Unnnirajan said.
Acting on a tip-off that sand was being mined illegally, Rajan of Pariyaram police station had gone to the area in Parolikadavu along with a constable.

On seeing the police personnel, the lorry driver attempted to take away the vehicle while a few others at the spot fled when the SI tried to stop him.
The lorry driver and cleaner are absconding, police said.