CID Probe Into Illegal Sand Mining Since 2014: CM

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today announced a significant initiative to address illegal mining and sand quarrying in Telangana.

He ordered a Crime Branch CID (CBCID) investigation into mining operations carried out since June 2, 2014.

During the Assembly session, the Chief Minister disclosed plans for an inquiry into sand quarries, and said that the findings would be presented in the next legislative session.

In response to demands from BRS MLAs for the establishment of a House Committee to probe allegations against Raghav Constructions - a firm associated with the family of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and allegedly linked to illegal mining activities - the Chief Minister affirmed that a thorough investigation would be conducted.

"This inquiry will also encompass the mining operations of BRS leaders, including Gangula Kamalakar, Vaddiraju Ravi Chandra and Santosh Rao, as well as his father Ravinder Rao who is allegedly involved in the sand mafia," Reddy said.

The Chief Minister also accused the BRS of overseeing the sand mafia and exploiting Telangana's resources while in power BRS MLAs Harish Rao and K T Rama Rao of facilitating illegal mining during the previous BRS administration. He said that . He said that the government remained undeterred by potential intimidation from BRS leaders, and that the CID investigation would uncover the truth.

In response to claims by BRS leaders about a decline in the real estate sector under the Congress government, the CM said that the State's revenue from sand sales had increased by 35%. He added that the government would not overlook any irregularities that could adversely affect its revenue.

Regarding Raghav Constructions, the Chief Minister said that officials had issued a notice to the company seeking information on the alleged violations. He however criticised BRS leaders for attempting to pressure the minister with unfounded allegations, and said that such tactics would not be entertained.