The All India Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) claims that illegal sand mining is rampant across Kalaburagi district, with police, mining and geological officials and the district administration allegedly working hand-in-hand with the operators, causing huge revenue losses to the state while posing serious environmental, law and order problems.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi town on Tuesday, BSP district president Sunil Ingankal said that illegal sand mining is rampant in villages like Katadevarahalli, Bagodi, Dandoti and Muttaga of Chittapur taluk, where thousands of sand are allegedly mined and transported without permission and fees. He said GPS photos, location details and other evidence submitted by residents clearly show the extent of the activity.
He claimed that those involved in illegal sand mining included “Congress workers and close aides of RDPR minister Priyank Kharge”.
“Repeated complaints made to officials of the Mines and Geology Department, Shahabad Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kalgi Circle Inspector and Madbool Sub-Inspector have gone unheeded, indicating administrative and political support for the illegal trade,” he argued.
Mr. Ingankal expressed concern over the district office’s silence despite being aware of the issues.
He said the BSP party had written to the chief secretary urging the state government to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Deputy Commissioner Kalaburagi and transfer the officer immediately; set up a special coordination unit to curb illegal sand mining in the Bhima River; and also to transfer the Mines and Geology and Police Officers who were alleged to have failed to act; and fix accountability by reviewing the misconduct of officials at the taluk and district levels.
Mr. Ingankal warned that if the government did not respond to their demands immediately, the district unit of the Bahujan Samaj Party would intensify its agitation.
Published – 9 Dec 2025 20:10 IST
