DGP Orders Sting Operation, Exposes Police–Sand Mafia Nexus; SHOs Suspended and Transferred

After receiving multiple complaints about collusion between police stations and sand mining mafias, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Sharma initiated a major crackdown. Acting decisively, the DGP constituted 11 special teams and ordered a covert sting operation, which was carried out over two days—December 18 and 19.

During the operation, police personnel in plain clothes posed as sand traders and labourers. These teams approached different police stations and negotiated deals for the illegal transportation of sand. The exercise revealed serious irregularities: several Station House Officers (SHOs) were found directly striking illegal deals, while others facilitated the racket through subordinate staff. The investigation also uncovered that certain police stations were allowing unhindered illegal sand transport in return for fixed monthly bribes from sand mafias.

The findings of the sting operation reportedly shocked the DGP. The report clearly highlighted the active involvement of police officers in protecting and enabling illegal sand mining operations. Taking strict action, the DGP suspended five SHOs and transferred six others to the police lines. In addition, directions have been issued to the Range Inspector General (IG) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against 15 other police personnel from 11 police stations found involved in the nexus.