Officials under threat as sand mafia continues brazen attacks

The alleged attack, last Friday, on Nagamangala Deputy Superintendent of Police Savitha Hugar is the latest in a series of brazen attacks on officials trying to curb sand mining in Mandya district. The police officer had a narrow escape when a sand-laden lorry rammed into her jeep in an alleged attempt on her life.

Incidents such as attempting to ram sand-laden trucks on officials, making threatening calls, kidnapping and assaulting officials, have been reported on several occasions in the past. In fact, a majority of such incidents go unreported in the district, say officials.

Mr. Rajesh, now the Deputy Commissioner (Administration) of Belgaum City Corporation, recounted to The Hindu how there was an attempt on his life in 2013 when he was tahsildar in Malavalli and cracked down on mining.

“A lorry driver supported by a rowdy-sheeter had tried to hit me with his vehicle near Narayanapura in Malavalli,” he said.

In another case, the sand lobby had allegedly kidnapped Shankar, a deputy tahsildar in Malavalli district, and tied his hands and legs before dumping him in T. Narasipur in Mysore district.

The lack of co-ordination between the departments concerned and the powerful political backing that miners have, has made it dangerous to control them, alleged several tahsildars in the district, who did not want to be named.

Despite a ban by the Mandya district administration, illegal sand mining from the Cauvery riverbed is rampant and that is because of an ever-increasing demand for sand from the booming construction industry in Bangalore and Mysore, according to officials

Meanwhile, police sources claimed that they receive calls from politicians soon after conducting raids. “We seized 352 truckloads of sand in Hemmanahalli and 400 truckloads in Poovanahalli in K.R. Pet taluk, and 500 truckloads of sand from the Shimsha in Maddur taluk a few months back. Soon, we received calls from local political leaders,” an officer, on condition of anonymity, said.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) senior leader Shambhunahalli Suresh said: “Three prominent politicians are operating/controlling illegal sand mining in Malavalli, K.R. Pet and Nagamanagala taluks. The officials are also supporting the lobby,” Mr. Suresh alleged.

The Police Department has established a helpline to curb sand mining in the district. Anyone with information can call 9480804800.