Vigilance officials bust interstate sand smuggling racket, seize three tippers in Khammam

Three sand-laden tippers were seized by the Vigilance and Enforcement officials in a crackdown on an interstate smuggling racket near Narayanapuram village in Sathupally mandal of Khammam.

The accused, including organisers Dodda Srinivasa Rao and Dodda Praveen, along with drivers and others, were booked for allegedly transporting sand illegally from Andhra Pradesh into Telangana.

Vigilance and Enforcement said the Warangal unit said that the operation was carried out based on credible information, leading to the interception of three vehicles carrying about 100 metric tonnes of sand during a surprise check on the outskirts of the village.

Preliminary enquiry revealed that the drivers were from Bethupalli village in Khammam district and that the smuggling network had been active for the past six months. The group allegedly transported sand from the Kovvur sand ramp in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh to Sathupally without valid permits.

To bypass regulations, the accused reportedly hired earth movers for loading sand and transported it across State borders without authorisation, causing loss to government revenue.

A case has been registered at Sathupally police station against eight accused, including drivers, vehicle owners and organisers, under relevant provisions of the BNS, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

Officials said efforts are under way to identify and apprehend the remaining accused. The Vigilance and Enforcement Department reiterated its commitment to curb illegal sand mining and transportation, and urged the public to report such activities for prompt action.