Police warned of stringent action if they fail to curb illegal sand extraction and transportation

Published 27 July 2026 · india

Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) has directed all police units across the State to launch a stringent crackdown on illegal sand

Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) has directed all police units across the State to launch a stringent crackdown on illegal sand extraction, storage, and transportation, warning of disciplinary action against officers who fail to curb such activities within their jurisdiction. In directions issued to all Police Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, and Superintendents of Police, the DG&IGP outlined a comprehensive enforcement strategy aimed at ensuring uniform implementation of laws against illegal sand extraction. Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the directive follows the State government’s “zero tolerance” policy towards illegal sand extraction, which it said causes severe environmental degradation, disrupts law and order, and results in significant revenue losses to the government.

As per the circular, district and taluk-level task forces have been instructed to function more effectively by identifying illegal sand extraction hotspots, maintaining constant surveillance, preventing unlawful transportation and storage of sand, and initiating prompt legal action against offenders. The police have also been asked to strengthen coordination with the Departments of Mines and Geology, Revenue and Forest to prevent illegal transportation, particularly along inter-State routes and border areas. Officers have been directed to ensure enforcement centres function efficiently and immediately report any shortage of infrastructure affecting operations. To tighten enforcement, all police units have been instructed to gather intelligence on illegal sand extraction networks, conduct surprise raids, and invoke provisions of the Goonda Act against habitual offenders engaged in the illegal sand trade.

The circular further mandates that every monthly crime review meeting should include a station-wise review of cases related to illegal sand extraction, transportation, and storage. District and taluk-level task force meetings are also to be held regularly to improve inter-departmental coordination and strengthen enforcement. The DG&IGP has warned that failure by any police unit to prevent illegal sand extraction and transportation within its jurisdiction will invite appropriate disciplinary action against the officers concerned. “Illegal sand extraction and transportation are not merely the plundering of the State’s natural resources; they are serious offences that pose a challenge to law and order and the larger public interest,” Mr. Kharge said. Suo motu action The Lokayukta in May this year took up a suo motu case against top Karnataka officials after Lokayukta raids exposed illegal sand extraction in Bagalkot.