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Saturday, July 19, 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

Critical minerals are the new oil. India can’t afford to depend on China

Mineral security is no longer just an economic concern but a national security imperative, underpinning the country’s ambitions in clean energy, defence self-reliance, and advanced manufacturing.

India-US set to ink mini trade deal soon, reach understanding on agricultural & dairy products

Mini deal will likely see no cut in 10% baseline tariff on Indian exports announced by Trump on 2 April, it is learnt, but additional 26% tariffs are set to be reduced.

Not just AK-203, India & Russia to jointly manufacture AK-19 and PPK-20 for domestic use and export 

India-Russia JV is also racing to deliver 7,000 more AK-203 assault rifles by 15 Aug. These are currently being made with 50% indigenisation and this will surge to 100% by 31 December.

Joys of Trumplomacy: India & the world are learning US President’s 99 moods and 1 goal

Public, loud, upfront, filled with impropriety and high praise sometimes laced with insults. This is what we call Trumplomacy. But the larger objective is the same: American supremacy.