Massive Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Maddur

Maddur: In a coordinated crackdown, officials from the police, revenue, and mines and geology departments conducted a joint raid on illegal sand mining activities in the Shimsha riverbed of Maddur taluk. During the operation, a huge stockpile of 320 metric tons of illegally extracted sand was seized from the site.

The illicit mining activity was taking place in the villages of Tubinakere, Tumbalgali, and Thoreshettahalli. Acting on specific intelligence, the officials swooped down on the locations, catching the offenders off guard.

Authorities have since registered a formal case against those involved in the unauthorized collection and storage of sand. The operation falls under the jurisdiction of Kesturu and Besagarahalli police stations, where legal proceedings are now underway.

The joint action is part of an intensified drive to curb the rampant sand mafia and protect river ecosystems from degradation due to unregulated extraction.

Locals have welcomed the action, hoping it will bring an end to illegal sand trade that has affected both the environment and livelihoods of communities depending on the river.