Jaipur, Rajasthan:
In a decisive move to protect the fragile ecosystem of the National Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, the Rajasthan Police has intensified its campaign against the illegal mining, storage, and transportation of river sand. Following directives from the Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar Sharma, and reinforced by recent mandates from the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the police have adopted a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy, significantly expanding the scope of their operations since early 2025.
Campaign Performance and Key Statistics (Jan 2025 – April 2026)
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), V.K. Singh, reported that the coordinated efforts of the Dholpur and Karauli district police have resulted in a record 392 criminal cases registered within the sanctuary’s coastal regions. The efficiency of the investigations is evident, with 342 charge sheets already filed before the courts, while investigations into the remaining cases are proceeding rapidly.
Strategic Shift: Targeting the Organised Network
To dismantle the organized syndicate behind the illegal sand trade, the police have implemented a robust new strategy:
- Liability of Vehicle Owners: Moving beyond merely detaining tractor drivers, the police are now naming registered vehicle owners as co-accused. To date, 195 cases have involved the arrest of both drivers and the actual vehicle owners.
- Targeting Repeat Offenders: Data analysis reveals that among those arrested since 2024, 70 individuals are repeat offenders who have been repeatedly involved in this illicit trade.
District-Level Enforcement Highlights
1. Dholpur District Police
Under the leadership of SP Vikas Sangwan, Dholpur has become a focal point of enforcement:
- Cases: 353 criminal cases registered since early 2025, with 306 charge sheets filed.
- Severe Penalties: In 37 serious cases, police have invoked Section 112(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to address organized crime.
- Property Attachment: To strike at the financial roots of the mafia, police have filed 3 petitions under Section 107 BNS for the attachment of assets acquired through illegal gains, with one court-ordered attachment already executed.
2. Karauli District Police
According to the report by SP Lokesh Sonwal:
- Impact: Since 2023, 76 cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 124 individuals (44 vehicle owners and 80 drivers).
- Seizures: Police have successfully seized 361 tons of illegal sand and impounded 102 vehicles used in the trade.
Community Awareness and Legal Warning
The police are actively working to dismantle illegal sand stockpiles using JCB machines and are conducting community outreach in villages along the Chambal river. Authorities have issued a stern warning: under Supreme Court directives, vehicles and machinery involved in illegal sand transportation will no longer be released through fines alone. Instead, authorities will pursue the permanent cancellation of vehicle registration and total confiscation (Rajsaat).
The Rajasthan Police has appealed to the public to remain vigilant, abstain from the illegal sand trade, and report any suspicious activity immediately to ensure environmental conservation and law and order in the Chambal region.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official data and press statements issued by the Rajasthan Police. Legal proceedings against individuals involved in illegal mining are currently sub judice. For official legal updates, please refer to the respective district police department’s notifications.
