Tensions escalated in Karnataka’s Koppal between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s Chief Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy and the district administrative officers over allegations of illegal sand and gravel mining.

Earlier, Rayareddy had written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding urgent and strict action against corrupt officials allegedly involved in large-scale illegal sand extraction.

The letter highlights rampant illegal sand mining along over 85 kilometres of the Tungabhadra riverbank, with 100 to 150 truckloads of sand and gravel reportedly transported daily to Gadag, Ballari, Hubballi, Dharwad, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru.

Public allegations suggest that several Mines and Geology Department officials and other local staff are colluding with over 200 sand mafia members, causi

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