Overview
- Chief economic adviser Basavaraj Rayareddy wrote to the Karnataka chief minister alleging collusion between a sand mafia and officials in Koppal and describing large illegal extraction along an 85 km stretch of the Tungabhadra.
- He claims 100 to 150 truckloads of sand and gravel move out daily to multiple districts, with an annual revenue loss he and opposition critics put near Rs 400 crore.
- He demanded immediate transfers of named Mines and Geology personnel and sought a district task force led by the deputy commissioner to halt illegal mining.
- The Koppal district officer cadre issued a 20-point counter-letter challenging his allegations, questioning alleged interference, and seeking explanations from the adviser.
- BJP leaders amplified the letter to attack the Congress government as corrupt, while reports referenced CCTV footage and prior media material; no transfers, arrests, or special task force have been announced.