Nagpur Police Bust Illegal Sand Smuggling Network; ₹58 Lakh Worth of Vehicles, Sand Seized

In a series of well-coordinated operations across Nagpur district, police teams from Bhiwapur, Kuhi, and Kanhan police stations have successfully cracked down on illegal sand transportation networks, seizing sand and vehicles valued at more than ₹58 lakh. Multiple cases have been registered and several individuals are now under arrest, signalling a strong message to those engaged in unauthorised sand mining and transportation.

The largest seizure occurred on June 7, when the Bhiwapur police, acting on a tip-off, launched a targeted operation near Hotel Wada in Mouja Taas. Officers had received intelligence about an illegal sand consignment being transported through the area. In response, a special blockade was set up to intercept suspect vehicles.

During the blockade, the police intercepted a truck loaded with sand. Upon inspection, driver Mohan Harisingh Walke (37), a resident of Old Bagadganj in Nagpur, failed to provide any valid documentation or transport permit for the sand. Further investigation revealed that the truck was owned by Kailash Manohar Sapate, a resident of Gadchiroli district.

The police seized the truck, estimated to be worth ₹30 lakh, along with eight brass (a local unit of measurement for sand) of illegally sourced sand valued at ₹40,000. A case was promptly registered against both the driver and the truck owner under several stringent legal provisions, including sections of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, and the Environment Protection Act. The driver was arrested at the scene.

In a simultaneous crackdown, the district transport branch, which was conducting road surveillance near Mauja Champa town on the Umred-Nagpur Road under Kuhi police jurisdiction, intercepted another vehicle — a 10-wheeler tipper carrying sand suspected to be illegally sourced.

The driver of the tipper, Akash Santosh Aratpayre (28), a resident of Umred, failed to produce a valid driving license or transport permit for the consignment. The owner of the tipper was later identified as Milind Dilip Telang of Nandanvan, Nagpur. Police seized the vehicle, valued at approximately ₹25 lakh, and six brass of sand worth ₹36,000. Legal action has been initiated against both the driver and the owner under the same sections used in the earlier case.

Meanwhile, in another proactive operation, the Kanhan police intercepted a mini truck transporting sand without a permit near the Khandala Ghatate area. The vehicle was stopped as part of routine patrol activities aimed at curbing illegal sand movement.

The driver, Ajay Dilip Pantawan (38), a local resident, confessed during questioning that he had no license for sand transport and owned the vehicle himself. The mini truck, valued at ₹3 lakh, along with one brass of sand worth ₹2,500, was seized. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway to determine the wider network involved.

The crackdown on illegal sand smuggling has long been a priority for law enforcement in Nagpur district, where unregulated sand mining has caused significant environmental damage to riverbeds and public lands. Authorities have been under pressure to act after a spate of complaints from local environmental groups and concerned citizens.

Police officials indicated that such operations would continue with increased intensity in the coming weeks. They emphasised that illegal sand mining and transportation poses both economic and environmental risks, and assured that surveillance and enforcement measures will be further strengthened to curb such activities.