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Friday, February 20, 2026
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.

‘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.

‘Sand mafia, goonda tax’: Illegal mining is no secret, but still an election issue in Punjab

With illegal sand mining becoming a poll issue, ThePrint visited SBS Nagar and Rupnagar districts to find out how and why such sites operate, and what local authorities are doing.

On Camera

‘Good old days of bonhomie’ between New Delhi and Dhaka won’t be easy

India and Bangladesh should remain alert and remember that Turkey’s increasing role in Dhaka’s defence capabilities goes against India’s security and strategic interests.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

US military commander, envoy Sergio Gor visit Indian Army Western Command, Bengaluru next

At the Western Army Command, the American delegation was briefed on the capabilities of the formation, past operations and the path ahead.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.