An India Today investigation has exposed rampant illegal sand and gravel mining across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, revealing a powerful sand mafia operating openly despite repeated claims of enforcement. In just one week, two people, including a forest official, have died, while residents, officials, and police report living under constant fear.

Reporters visited 10 districts — Dholpur, Ajmer, Baran, Alwar, Sikar in Rajasthan, and Ratlam, Morena, Jabalpur, Sheopur, Sehore in Madhya Pradesh — documenting ongoing illegal mining in riverbeds, forest land, and hill ranges, often under threats of violence.

Forest Guard Killed in DholpurThe most shocking incident occurred in Dholpur, Rajasthan, where forest guard Jitendra Singh Shekhawat was deliberately run over by a tractor-trolley carrying illegally mined Chambal gravel. Critically injured, he later succumbed to his injuries. A case was registered against unknown assailants, and Ramsevak alias Chalu, a known gravel mafia operator, was arrested. The incident triggered protests, with political leaders accusing the government of shielding illegal miners.

Crackdown and Enforcement MeasuresIn Ajmer, authorities launched special anti-mining operations, seizing vehicles, imposing fines, and registering FIRs against repeat offenders. Alwar continues to witness illegal stone mining in the Aravalli Hills despite central directives banning new leases and regulating existing mines. Villagers reported blasting near homes, structural cracks, and disrupted daily life.

Madhya Pradesh: Sheopur, Ratlam, Morena, JabalpurIn Sheopur, a sand mafia attacked a Chambal Gharial Sanctuary patrol team after seizure of illegal sand. In Vijaypur, a speeding tractor crushed a young man and critically injured his mother. In Ratlam, police were attacked while stopping a tractor-trolley, resulting in a policeman being crushed; a BJP councillor was arrested. In Morena and Jabalpur, illegal mining continues day and night along riverbeds, with intimidation, threats, and environmental destruction prevalent. In Jabalpur, businessman Rohit Jain allegedly threatened officials with a dumper and has links with multiple contractors in the region.

From Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills to Madhya Pradesh’s riverbeds, the investigation highlights a pattern of unchecked illegal mining, violence, and environmental degradation. Residents fear accidents, officials fear reprisals, and the sand mafia continues operations openly, often in broad daylight.