Nguyen Ngoc Thang, 46, residing in Dien Lam commune, and Tran Anh Tuan, 45, residing in Suoi Hiep commune, were temporarily detained by Khanh Hoa Provincial Police on 28/3 for resisting public officials.

Nguyen Ngoc Thang at the investigative agency. Photo: Khanh Hoa Provincial Police

Nguyen Ngoc Thang at the investigative agency. Photo: Khanh Hoa Provincial Police

According to the investigation, in the early hours of 21/3, Major Hai and his team were scouting illegal mineral exploitation along the Cai River, specifically the section passing through Dong Tran 3 hamlet in Dien Lam commune. They discovered Tuan and Thang on a raft, illegally dredging sand from the riverbed.

Tran Anh Tuan and Thang resisted police while dredging sand on the Cai River, in the section passing through Dien Lam commune. Photo: Khanh Hoa Provincial Police

Tran Anh Tuan and Thang resisted police while dredging sand on the Cai River, in the section passing through Dien Lam commune. Photo: Khanh Hoa Provincial Police

The task force immediately approached and requested an inspection, but the two "sand pirates" did not comply and resisted. Subsequently, they prevented Major Hai from accessing the raft, causing him to drown and go missing.

Dien Lam commune police coordinated with the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department (PC07) and other units to organize a search. At 7:37 AM the same day, Major Hai's body was found approximately 100 meters from the incident site.

Bui Toan