Hyderabad:Tungabhadra riverbanks near Rajoli have turned into a haven for illegal sand smuggling, with operators openly stockpiling and transporting sand under cover of darkness amid weak monitoring by local authorities in Jogulamba Gadwal district.
Local sources said the mafia revived its activities since November end, taking advantage of El Niño‑induced dry conditions and the absence of floods. “We have been noticing sand being smuggled again, especially at night,” disclosed Sachadev, a social worker from Rajoli. Villagers said despite officials being stationed at mandal headquarters, the racket has spread unchecked.
The demand for sand, particularly for Indiramma housing and construction projects, has fuelled the trade. A police officer said criminals were using tractors, mini‑tippers and bullock carts to move sand from interior villages, adding: “Special teams have been deployed, stern action will follow.”
Residents described how sand is dumped near cemeteries by day, stockpiled by evening and loaded into vehicles with JCBs at night. Social activist Susheela said two villagers were wrongly detained and later released, demanding strict action against smugglers and protection of the river.
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