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Thursday, December 4, 2025
TopicIllegal sand mining

Topic: illegal sand mining

The story of Bihar’s two mafias—sand and booze

The sand and liquor mafias have corroded Bihar’s economy, fuelled criminal politics, brought in a rural rot, and rendered its youth unemployable for at least a decade.

Who is Ilma Afroz, Baddi SP sent on leave & what’s the ‘feud’ with Congress MLA Ram Kumar all about

Afroz has, in the past, fined Chaudhary’s wife for alleged involvement in illegal sand mining & also taken action against an associate of his. The MLA has denied any role in her leave.

ASI killed by tractor-trolley used for illegal sand mining in MP’s Shahdol, 2 arrested

ASI Mahendra Bagri and other cops gave a signal to the tractor’s driver to stop but he ran it over the inspector. The vehicle owner, Surendra Singh, is still on the run.

‘Fishing expedition’ — Madras HC order staying ED summons to 5 district collectors in Tamil Nadu

ED issued summons as part of probe into sand quarries across state since September, on allegations of illegal sale of sand mined from riverbeds. Matter posted for 21 December. 

‘Not within ED jurisdiction’ — HC stays summons issued to 5 Tamil Nadu collectors in sand mining case

Though summons has been stayed, ED has been given 3 weeks time by Madras HC to respond. Meanwhile, court hasn't put a stay on probe carried out by ED into illegal sand mining.

Sand miners are the new narcos. Rajasthan gangs offer cash, career, swag

Sand mafias have turned illegal river mining into a thriving industry, luring young recruits and villagers with promises of wealth and power. Crime and cratered rivers are the collaterals.

How new platform plans to fight illegal sand mining in India — satellite imagery, remote sensors

New Delhi: A non-government organisation from West Bengal has launched a new portal that will give users a bird's eye view of illegal sand-mining activities...

NGT bans, surprise raids, vigilance no hurdle. Mining mafia plunder river beds of Himachal Pradesh at will

Though forest officials sealed the road along Neugal river at Thural in Kangra district last week, locals claim mining mafia's business will be back to normal in no time. Here's why.

‘Scale of violence unprecedented’ — shock & confusion after ‘sand mafia’ attack on officials in Bihar

A video that went viral shows woman officer, part of a team of 3, being dragged & beaten up in Bihta town. Director of mines dept puzzled by locals' support for illegal sand miners.

Crater-sized quarries, bold sand mafia — why Punjab’s mining scandal is a political hot potato

Blanket ban on sand mining in place in Punjab since 10 November has done little to abate sand mafia. State govt opened first sand & gravel sale outlet in Mohali earlier this month.

On Camera

My grandmother saved her children in Bhopal gas tragedy—and sacrificed her own life

‘Mother kept pouring water in our eyes whenever the burning became unbearable. She pushed our bodies deep into the blanket, making sure not a single part was exposed,’ my father said.

India’s Russian oil imports are showing up in cryptic new places. The crude map stands redrawn

December oil imports from Russia may drop nearly 50%, but Indian buyers already shifting to non-designated Russian entities and opaque trading channels to keep Russian oil flowing.

India to commission new squadron of submarine-hunting Romeo choppers in Goa later this month

The helicopters produced by Lockheed Martin are known as ‘submarine hunters’. India ordered 24 of these aircraft in 2020 to replace the Sea King helicopters. 15 have been delivered till date.

Gaali cricket: Bavuma stands tall, India’s Test ego cut to size

The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word.