Suo motu case against top Karnataka officials after raid unearths illegal sand mining in Bagalkot

Lokayukta officials during a raid on illegal sand mining in Bagalkot district.

The Karnataka Lokayukta Police registered a suo motu case against several senior government officials, including the Director of Mines and Geology, Bengaluru, the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Bagalkot, the Deputy Commissioner of Bagalkot and the tahsildars of Badami, Mudhol, Jamakhandi, Hunagundu, for alleged illegal sand mining on the Ilkal River in the Krishna Valley and the Great Ilkal River Valley.

According to officials, the action followed complaints regarding rampant illegal mining in Bagalkot district. After a discreet inquiry into alleged irregularities in sand mining operations in Hunagund, Ilkal, Mudhol and Badami taluks, the Karnataka Lokayukta Superintendent of Police, Bagalkot unit, submitted a detailed report.

The investigation reportedly revealed indiscriminate and illegal excavation in the Krishna River bed using heavy machinery in violation of environmental norms and mining regulations. Following this report, the Lokayukta police were empowered to conduct surprise checks and initiate action against officials suspected of negligence or collusion.

Following these instructions, the Superintendent of Police from the Lokayukta, along with officers from neighboring districts, conducted simultaneous raids at 24 locations covering 36 points in Bagalkot district on May 21 morning. 28 officers and 90 employees took part in the operation.

During the inspections, officials reportedly found 65 dump trucks, 18 excavators, 14 mechanized boats, six tractors and one heavy construction machine engaged in illegal sand mining.

Investigators found large quantities of illegally mined sand stored in several locations. Prima facie evidence of widespread irregularities has been identified, officials said.

The Lokayukta directed officials from the mines and geology, revenue, forest and environment departments, along with RTOs, taluk panchayat executive officers and jurisdictional police officers to initiate legal action against those involved in illegal mining operations.

Officials said further investigations are underway and action will be taken against erring officials found responsible for allowing or failing to curb illegal activities.

Published – 21 May 2026 15:26 IST