Seven people were arrested and nearly 1,900 metric tonnes of illegally mined sand along with several heavy vehicles were seized during coordinated raids by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department in three districts of Telangana.
The surprise operations conducted on March 9 and 10 targeted illegal sand mining and transportation in parts of Narayanpet district, Mahabubnagar district and Khammam district by teams from Hyderabad City-2 unit and Warangal unit of the department.
During the operation, the teams uncovered extensive illegal mining being carried out in streams including Ooka Chettu Vagu in Koilsagar area and Munneru river. Approximately 1,875 metric tons of sand was seized, which was mined and stored for transportation and sale.
The teams also seized machinery and vehicles used in illegal activities, including four excavators, two tippers and seven tractors.
According to officials, the investigation revealed that organized groups were involved in illegal mining and transportation of sand without licenses or permission from the relevant authorities. In Narayanpet and Mahabubnagar districts, sand was extracted from streambeds using excavators and tractors equipped with suction pumps before being deposited in large quantities into the streams. Investigators also found that internal mud roads were created to facilitate the movement of dump trucks and other vehicles to mining sites.
In Khammam district, officials said sand was mined from the Munneru River by local villagers at night and transported to Khammam town using tractors.
Based on the complaints lodged by the Vigilance and Enforcement teams, three cases were registered with Marikal police in Narayanpet, Devarakadra police in Mahabubnagar and Mudigonda police in Khammam. Officials said 13 accused have been named in the case, seven of whom have been arrested so far.
Cases were registered under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act for offenses including theft of government property, illegal mining and transportation of minerals without permission and damage to public property.
The ministry urged citizens to report any cases of illegal sand mining or misuse of government resources to the toll-free number 14432.
Published – 10 March 2026 20:57 IST
