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The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has enlisted the help of experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur (IIT-K) in its ongoing investigation into allegations of excessive sand mining in Tamil Nadu, according to officials. The ED investigators have sought the support of scientists from ISRO and IIT-K to evaluate the area and quantity of sand mined along riverbeds in the state.

The ED had previously registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and conducted searches at designated sand mining sites in six districts. During these searches, incriminating documents such as fake receipts and counterfeit QR codes were seized, indicating irregularities in the sale of sand. Storage devices containing CCTV footage and transaction data were also seized for further investigation.

In order to ascertain the extent of sand mining, ISRO will provide satellite images of the sites based on coordinates provided by the ED. These images will assist experts from IIT-K in measuring the depth of sand mined, which will then be used to calculate the quantity of sand mined illegally and the corresponding loss to the exchequer.

Meanwhile, a top official in the Water Resources Department, A. Muthiaya, has gone on leave after seeking details on illegal sand mining from senior engineers. Another official has been appointed to temporarily take charge of his position.

The assistance from ISRO and IIT-K is expected to provide valuable scientific insights that will aid the ED in its investigation into the allegations of excessive sand mining and irregularities in the sale of sand. This collaborative effort between government agencies and scientific institutions highlights the importance of using technology and expertise in addressing environmental concerns and ensuring the proper utilization of natural resources.

Definitions:
– Directorate of Enforcement (ED): The enforcement agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and combating economic crime in India.
– Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): The national space agency of India responsible for space research and the development of satellite technology.
– Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur (IIT-K): One of the premier engineering institutes in India, located in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Sources:
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