Unmasking the Sand Mafia-Official Nexus in Karnataka

In Karnataka, serious allegations have surfaced regarding a collusion between the sand mafia and government officials in the Koppal district. Basavaraja Rayareddy, an Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister, has brought this issue to light, highlighting potential significant losses in state revenue.

Rayareddy's letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, dated October 18, calls for urgent action against allegedly corrupt officials in the Mines and Geology Department. The Congress MLA has suggested forming a special task force to address illegal sand and gravel trade, which he claims costs the government crores in lost royalties.

The opposition BJP has pounced on these revelations, using them to criticize the Congress government. Opposition leaders allege that this mafia-official nexus demonstrates deep-rooted corruption under CM Siddaramaiah's administration, casting doubt on the government's commitment to combating corruption in Karnataka.