Nagpur: In a high-stakes operation, Bhandara Police and district’s revenue team joined forces to dismantle a covert sand smuggling operation in Gopewadi-Nyaharvani stretch of Mohadi taluka — a lesser-known route exploited by the mafia to evade detection.The dramatic late-night raid, conducted on Friday, led to seizure of eight trucks carrying illegally mined sand of Rs 4 crore, destined for Nagpur’s booming construction market. The sand was reportedly excavated from Betala sand depot, a known hotspot for illegal mining activities.The meticulously planned operation, spearheaded by Bhandara collector Sanjay Kolte and superintendent of police (SP) Noorul Hasan, involved a 50-member team that laid a trap along the clandestine route. The three-hour crackdown disrupted the critical supply line fuelling the illicit sand trade, which thrives on the region’s construction boom. While eight trucks were intercepted, two others managed to flee after offloading consignments in a nearby nullah, though police pursued them in a high-speed chase. An offence was registered at Jawahar Nagar police station.Illegal sand mining is rampant not only in Mohadi but also in Tumsar taluka, driven by soaring demand in Nagpur and surrounding areas. Sources reveal that stolen sand, sold at Rs 60-65 per cubic foot, is significantly cheaper than legal sand, which costs Rs 70-75 per cubic foot due to added royalty rates. This price disparity fuels the mafia’s operations, as builders seek cost-effective alternatives to support the region’s real-estate surge.Under SP Hasan’s leadership, Bhandara Police intensified their crackdown on the sand mafia since September 2024, registering 438 cases, apprehending 845 accused, and seizing 548 vehicles. In the last 18 months, seizures surpassed Rs 1 crore in value, with the latest Gopewadi raid pushing this figure even higher. “We’ve formed special teams under every sub-divisional police officer with target-oriented goals,” said SP Hasan. “Our teams are out every night, setting up traps to nab mafia vehicles, and we ensure they aren’t released easily.”Collector Kolte and SP Hasan personally oversaw the operation, reflecting the administration’s resolve to curb illegal trade. The sand mafia, facing increased scrutiny on highways and main roads, has resorted to obscure routes like Gopewadi-Nyaharvani to smuggle sand into Nagpur. “We’ve now started striking them on these clandestine routes,” Hasan added, emphasizing the police’s proactive approach.This raid marks a significant blow to the illicit network, which not only causes substantial revenue losses but also inflicts severe environmental damage through unchecked sand excavation. The operation underscores the authorities’ determination to protect natural resources and disrupt the mafia’s grip on the region’s construction supply chain. As Nagpur’s real estate sector continues to grow, such crackdowns are critical to ensuring legal compliance and sustainable development. With relentless pressure from Bhandara’s authorities, the sand mafia’s operations are under siege, but the fight is far from over, said SP Hasan.Nagpur: In a high-stakes operation, Bhandara Police and district’s revenue team joined forces to dismantle a covert sand smuggling operation in Gopewadi-Nyaharvani stretch of Mohadi taluka — a lesser-known route exploited by the mafia to evade detection.The dramatic late-night raid, conducted on Friday, led to seizure of eight trucks carrying illegally mined sand of Rs 4 crore, destined for Nagpur’s booming construction market. The sand was reportedly excavated from Betala sand depot, a known hotspot for illegal mining activities.The meticulously planned operation, spearheaded by Bhandara collector Sanjay Kolte and superintendent of police (SP) Noorul Hasan, involved a 50-member team that laid a trap along the clandestine route. The three-hour crackdown disrupted the critical supply line fuelling the illicit sand trade, which thrives on the region’s construction boom. While eight trucks were intercepted, two others managed to flee after offloading consignments in a nearby nullah, though police pursued them in a high-speed chase. An offence was registered at Jawahar Nagar police station.Illegal sand mining is rampant not only in Mohadi but also in Tumsar taluka, driven by soaring demand in Nagpur and surrounding areas. Sources reveal that stolen sand, sold at Rs 60-65 per cubic foot, is significantly cheaper than legal sand, which costs Rs 70-75 per cubic foot due to added royalty rates. This price disparity fuels the mafia’s operations, as builders seek cost-effective alternatives to support the region’s real-estate surge.Under SP Hasan’s leadership, Bhandara Police intensified their crackdown on the sand mafia since September 2024, registering 438 cases, apprehending 845 accused, and seizing 548 vehicles. In the last 18 months, seizures surpassed Rs 1 crore in value, with the latest Gopewadi raid pushing this figure even higher. “We’ve formed special teams under every sub-divisional police officer with target-oriented goals,” said SP Hasan. “Our teams are out every night, setting up traps to nab mafia vehicles, and we ensure they aren’t released easily.”Collector Kolte and SP Hasan personally oversaw the operation, reflecting the administration’s resolve to curb illegal trade. The sand mafia, facing increased scrutiny on highways and main roads, has resorted to obscure routes like Gopewadi-Nyaharvani to smuggle sand into Nagpur. “We’ve now started striking them on these clandestine routes,” Hasan added, emphasizing the police’s proactive approach.This raid marks a significant blow to the illicit network, which not only causes substantial revenue losses but also inflicts severe environmental damage through unchecked sand excavation. The operation underscores the authorities’ determination to protect natural resources and disrupt the mafia’s grip on the region’s construction supply chain. As Nagpur’s real estate sector continues to grow, such crackdowns are critical to ensuring legal compliance and sustainable development. With relentless pressure from Bhandara’s authorities, the sand mafia’s operations are under siege, but the fight is far from over, said SP Hasan.
