Archive · 7 Oct 2026
DVAC Begins Probe into Alleged Rs 4,730 Crore Sand Mining Scam
Tamil Nadu’s anti-corruption agency has started looking into claims of illegal sand mining.
The Enforcement Directorate said sand worth about Rs 4,730 crore may have been taken illegally.
It told the state police chief about its findings in 2024 and later sent a reminder.
The report examined 28 mining sites.
It said mining was allowed on 196 hectares, but digging happened over 987 hectares.
The ED said it used GPS, drones, special laser surveys and satellite pictures to study the sites.
The DVAC has sent notices to contractors, officials and others named in the matter.
It says it will first check whether there is enough initial evidence before registering a case.
Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption has begun investigating alleged illegal sand mining valued at Rs 4,730 crore.
The probe follows a complaint and evidence submitted by the Enforcement Directorate to the state Director General of Police.
The ED reportedly sent its letter on June 13, 2024, and later sent a reminder; the article says no action was taken on either.
The ED’s assessment covered 28 river sand mining sites and used GPS, drones, LiDAR surveys and satellite imagery, with help from experts connected to IIT Kanpur.
The assessment said permitted mining covered 196 hectares, while excavation took place across 987 hectares; DVAC has issued notices and says it will establish a prima facie case before registering a case.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption is investigating allegations reported by the Enforcement Directorate involving contractors, officials and others.
- What
- A probe into alleged illegal sand mining estimated by the ED at Rs 4,730 crore.
- When
- The ED sent its letter to the Tamil Nadu DGP on June 13, 2024; the article does not specify when DVAC began its investigation.
- Where
- Twenty-eight river sand mining sites in Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The ED alleged that excavation exceeded permitted limits and requested that an FIR be registered.
Enforcement Directorate’s allegations
Procedural status described by DVAC
Alleged illegal excavation
Enforcement Directorate’s allegations
The ED said its assessment found mining beyond permitted limits and estimated the value of illegally mined sand at Rs 4,730 crore.
Procedural status described by DVAC
The DVAC has begun an enquiry and says it will establish a prima facie basis before registering a case; the article does not report a final finding by the agency.
Registration of a case
Enforcement Directorate’s allegations
The ED requested an FIR and, according to the article, sent a reminder after receiving no action on its complaint.
Procedural status described by DVAC
The DVAC has issued notices and is conducting a detailed enquiry before deciding whether to register a case.
- Estimated value of illegally mined sand
- Rs 4,730 crore, according to the ED
- Sites assessed
- 28 river sand mining sites
- Permitted mining area
- 196 hectares
- Area reportedly excavated
- 987 hectares
- ED letter to DGP
- June 13, 2024
- Assessment methods
- GPS, drones, LiDAR surveys and satellite imagery processing
- Current DVAC step
- Notices sent to contractors, officials and others; a detailed enquiry is planned before deciding whether to register a case