RAICHUR: Janata Dal (Secular) MLA from Devadurga constituency, Karemma G. Nayak, has alleged that illegal sand mafia operators have directly threatened her in an attempt to stop action against unlawful sand mining in Raichur district. Raising serious concerns over law and order, the legislator said sand smugglers even came to her residence to intimidate her, exposing the brazenness of the illegal network operating in the region.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Raichur Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Karemma Nayak said illegal sand transportation is rampant in Devadurga taluk, with lorries ferrying sand without any valid tenders or permits. She demanded immediate and stringent action against those involved in the illegal trade, warning that unchecked sand mining was not only looting natural resources but also eroding public trust in governance.
The JDS MLA alleged that while she supports small local operators transporting sand using tractors within legal limits, powerful lorry operators are targeting and harassing them. “I am standing with tractor owners who earn their livelihood honestly. But lorry operators involved in illegal sand mining are falsely implicating them and intimidating anyone who speaks against them,” she said.
Karemma Nayak further claimed that a group led by individuals named Srinivasa Nayak, Ravi, Veeresh Gowda, Amaresh, Vasu and Hanumanth had come to threaten her. “They came all the way to my house located in the police quarters and issued threats. If an elected MLA is not safe inside police quarters, where does law and order stand?” she questioned.
She said multiple criminal cases have already been registered against several of these individuals, yet they continue their activities fearlessly. “These people openly threaten officials. Even tahsildars are being intimidated. Officers seem scared to act against them. How am I supposed to work as a legislator in such an atmosphere?” she asked.
Expressing strong displeasure with the administration, Karemma Nayak said the situation reflects a serious failure of enforcement. “Why is the government not acting decisively despite repeated complaints? The sand mafia has become so powerful that they do not hesitate to threaten public representatives and government officials,” she said.
The MLA urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister to take personal note of the issue and ensure immediate intervention. She demanded special monitoring of sand mining activities in Devadurga taluk and strict action against those operating lorries without permits. She also called for protection to officials and elected representatives who are speaking out against the illegal trade.
Karemma Nayak made it clear that she would not be cowed down by threats. “I will continue to raise my voice against illegal sand mining both inside and outside the Assembly. I am not afraid of these threats. This illegal activity must stop immediately,” she asserted.
She also warned that she would repeatedly highlight the issue during the ongoing and upcoming legislative sessions until concrete action is taken. “This is not just about sand. It is about rule of law, environmental protection and the safety of people who dare to oppose criminal networks,” she said.
