Basavaraj Rayareddy, who is the Economic Adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has made allegations of large-scale corruption, which involves the "sand mafia" and government officials.
In a letter sent to the Chief Minister dated October 18, Rayareddy claimed that the state loses over ₹400 crore every year in uncollected royalties due to rampant illegal sand mining and collusion between officials and the sand mafia.
"Corrupt officials and the sand mafia are hand in glove, looting the state’s natural resources. If we can efficiently collect income tax and GST, why not ensure royalty collection on sand?" says the letter.
Rayareddy further alleged that between 100 and 150 truckloads of sand and jelly stones are being transported illegally every day from areas approximately 85 km from the Tungabhadra River. He estimates that nearly 200 people are involved in this illegal trade, many of whom allegedly have the backing or direct involvement of officials from the Mines and Geology Department. Rayareddy has named over ten officials in his letter, calling for immediate action and their transfer. Among those named is Senior Geologist Pushpalatha.
The advisor to the Chief Minister noted that some officers have been posted in the same regions for over a decade, which he suggests has contributed to the department’s damaged credibility and failure to act. As part of the solution, Rayareddy has advised for the formation of a task force led by the local Deputy Commissioner to monitor illegal mining activities and crack down on the sand mafia. He said that his intention to raise the issue with CM Siddaramaiah, Urban Development Minister BS Suresh, Mines and Geology Minister SS Mallikarjun, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is to push for a coordinated statewide effort.
Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA R Ashoka termed the allegations "shocking" and claimed it was further evidence that the state was "No. 1" in corruption.
"CM’S OWN ADVISOR EXPOSES ₹400 CRORE SAND MAFIA SCAM! The truth can no longer be hidden. After admitting Karnataka is bankrupt due to reckless guarantee schemes and claiming Karnataka is the No.1 state in corruption, CM Siddaramaiah’s Economic Adviser and senior Congress MLA Shri Basavaraj Rayareddy, has now blown the lid off the sand mafia-politician nexus!" he wrote in a post on X on October 21st.
Ashoka urged the government to answer several questions, including why no action has been taken despite the CM’s adviser being aware of the activities, who is protecting the mafia, and where the ₹400 crore lost annually is being diverted.
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