Nagpur: In a major crackdown on illegal mining and transportation, the Nagpur Rural Police have seized sand and other construction materials worth over ₹100 crore since 2023. Many of these trucks, operating primarily on the outskirts of the city, have been involved in a staggering 192 fatal road accidents within the Nagpur city police jurisdiction this year alone.
The scale of the illegal sand trade has escalated sharply over the past year. In 2023, police registered 194 cases, apprehended 372 individuals, and seized 208 vehicles valued at ₹30.20 crore. However, the situation worsened in 2024 with 302 cases, 656 arrests, and the seizure of 361 vehicles and mined material collectively worth ₹70 crore.
According to officials, the sand mafia continues to operate with impunity, allegedly backed by political support and organized syndicates. Their operations have spread aggressively into Bhandara and surrounding districts. One of the most alarming cases this year involved the death of Zahoor Hasan, where the truck responsible was found to be part of a Bhandara-based sand trafficking network. Despite its permit having expired five days before the incident, the truck continued to ply illegally.
Nagpur City Police also registered 17 cases of illegal sand mining in 2024, arrested 57 individuals, and seized 29 trucks and other equipment worth ₹45.86 lakh. In the early months of 2025, two more cases have already been reported, with five accused arrested and material worth ₹31.46 lakh confiscated.
Commenting on the crackdown, Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar stated, “Sand mafias often have criminal records, including property and bodily offences. We’ve intensified surveillance on key hotspots like the Madhya Pradesh and Bhandara borders and have launched targeted action using externment and MPDA provisions.”
Poddar emphasized that strict vigilance, enhanced intelligence, and coordinated field operations have resulted in significant seizures. Confiscated materials are auctioned by the police, and vehicles are only released post RTO verification and payment of penalties.
The audacity of the sand mafia was showcased in January 2024 when members attempted to run over Ramtek Sub-Divisional Officer Vandana Virani and a revenue team during a 10-kilometre chase near Ghoti Tok. They had been caught transporting stolen sand and tried to flee. In another instance, they illegally constructed a temporary mud bridge over the Kanhan river to ease sand smuggling — an act that could have disrupted river flow during monsoon. Media reports brought the incident to light, prompting swift action by the administration.
Authorities warn that the scale and brazenness of the racket indicate possible collusion with local revenue and administrative officials, making the crackdown all the more critical.
The ongoing enforcement by Nagpur Rural and City Police sends a strong message: those involved in the illicit sand trade will face serious consequences.
