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Friday, February 20, 2026
TopicSand mafia

Topic: Sand mafia

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.

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.

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.

Punjab AAP legislator, security guards assaulted by sand mafia

The attack comes two days after two forest officials barely survived a murderous assault by illegal sand miners in Mohali district.

On Camera

Cautious optimism — India’s new relationship with Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh

Both Bangladesh and India will have to work together to repair the damage done during the Yunus administration.

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.

Embraer moves full throttle in pursuit of IAF contract, ties up with Hindalco after Adani

IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.

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.