Major Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Nanded, Equipment Worth ₹3.15 Crore Destroyed

Nanded, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Police in Nanded, Maharashtra, launched a significant operation against illegal sand mining on October 16, resulting in the destruction of equipment valued at ₹3.15 crore. The crackdown focused on the extraction of sand from the Godavari River, with authorities seizing various tools and materials used in the illicit activity.

Under the direction of Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan, the operation was led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Manik Bendre, involving teams from the Nanded Rural, Airport, and Mudkhed police stations. A series of coordinated raids targeted multiple sites along the riverbed where illegal sand extraction was taking place.

During the operation, police confiscated and destroyed eight large iron boats, each estimated at ₹30 lakh, totaling ₹2.70 crore. After completing the necessary documentation, the boats were demolished using controlled explosions with gelatin sticks. Additionally, a smaller boat worth ₹15 lakh and a sand extraction machine valued at ₹3.5 lakh were also destroyed.

Authorities also eliminated 23 floating chains, each valued at ₹50,000, amounting to ₹11.5 lakh. Furthermore, 58 brass of sand, collectively worth ₹14.40 lakh, was destroyed. A tipper truck loaded with two brass of sand, valued at ₹12.10 lakh, was seized during the operation.

The total estimated value of the seized and destroyed materials stands at ₹3.15 crore. Legal proceedings have been initiated under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with further actions being taken at the Nanded Rural, Mudkhed, and Airport police stations.

The operation was monitored by Police Inspectors Ashok Jadhav, Ganesh Karad, and Ramdas Shinde along with their respective teams. The police stated that such special operations would continue to prevent illegal mining, protect the river’s ecosystem, and mitigate revenue losses to the government.