70 booked, 2,131 tonnes of sand seized in last six months for illegal mining in Telangana

The Vigilance and Enforcement Department has booked 70 individuals and seized 2,131 metric tonnes of illegally-mined sand over the past six months as part of an intensified crackdown across Telangana.

According to information shared by the department, enforcement operations were carried out in 14 mandals across eight districts in March, with raids at 18 locations leading to multiple seizures, including excavators, lorries and tractors. A total of 18 FIRs were registered under laws including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the Motor Vehicles Act.

The coordinated raids along the Manjeera river and other local streams resulted in the seizure of 1,633 metric tonnes of sand and 13 vehicles, including tippers and tractors. Five persons were apprehended during these operations.

LPG shortage

Following reports of misleading claims about LPG shortage, officials conducted surprise inspections and uncovered illegal decanting operations where domestic and commercial cylinders were being refilled into smaller units and sold for around ₹1,500 each. During these raids, officials seized a total of 41 full cylinders and 103 empty cylinders across categories. This included 23 full and 13 empty domestic cylinders (14.2 kg), 7 full and 2 empty commercial cylinders (19 kg), and 11 full and 26 empty small commercial cylinders (5 kg). Additionally, 2 empty Super Gas cylinders (14 kg) and 60 empty 5 kg cylinders were recovered.

Authorities also seized equipment used in the illegal activity, including two weighing machines, six refilling pipes and one sealing machine. The accused were booked and the seized material was handed over for further legal action.

The department, in coordination with agencies such as Transport, State Tax, Mines and Geology, Forest and Police departments, conducted extensive inspections across highways, Outer Ring Road exits and toll plazas. More than 850 vehicles were checked during the month, with over 242 seized for violations including overloading, lack of permits and illegal transport of minerals.

In another operation, 101.81 quintals of PDS rice worth approximately ₹4.57 lakh were seized to curb diversion of essential commodities. The accused and seized materials were handed over to police and civil supplies authorities for further action.

The department also conducted inspections of welfare hostels, including in Karimnagar district, to assess infrastructure and student welfare, with findings to be forwarded to the concerned departments.

Officials said revenue losses of ₹0.82 crore were detected during the month, while ₹13.98 crore was realised through enforcement measures.

The department urged citizens to report violations through the toll-free number 14432.