Crackdown on sand mafia begins

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A crackdown on illegal sand mining has begun after Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued a stern warning over alleged collusion between sand mafias and government officials. The administration is now in "action mode," with strict orders for immediate enforcement.

District Collector Dileep Swami reprimanded sub-divisional officers and tehsildars in a high-level meeting, warning that delays in action will result in compulsory leave on Wednesday. He also directed strict measures against talathis and circle officers failing to curb illegal mining. Swami criticized officials for relying on paperwork instead of taking ground-level action, which has allowed the sand mafia to operate unchecked. He ordered joint task forces to be deployed in every taluka, ensuring coordination between revenue and police officials. Any police officer failing to assist in enforcement will be reported, while officers from mining-prone areas must submit reports or face suspension.

---------------------------------------(BOX)-------------------------------

Sand mafias stealing seized trucks

In a shocking revelation, over 20 seized sand transport trucks have been stolen from tehsil offices in the past year. CP Pravin Pawar assured the minister that those responsible will be arrested soon. Moving forward, any failure to secure seized vehicles will lead to strict action against revenue officials.