​NCP MLA demands SIT to probe of illegal sand mining near ancient temple in Godavari basin

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: NCP MLA Vijaysinh Pandit from Georai taluka of Beed district has demanded formation of Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged illegal sand mining being carried out at the ancient temple of Lord Shani at Rakshasbhuvan situated on the banks of Godavari river.

Pandit said besides loss of revenue to the govt and damage to the ecology, the illegal activities have been ​harming the religious heritage.

“A syndicate worth around Rs100 crore is currently operating in the Godavari river basin. So far, using heavy machinery, the crematorium at Rakshasbhuvan temple and the places of worship have been damaged due to sand mining,” he said.

Pandit alleged that a section of officials from the revenue department and police are hand-in-glove with the sand mafia.

“The syndicate is involved in financial transactions worth crores of rupees, ranging from obtaining OTPs from housing scheme beneficiaries to selling sand for lakhs of rupees. Despite numerous written and verbal complaints from social activists and villagers, the administration has ignored the issue,” he said.

Pandit, who is scheduled to meet CM Devendra Fadnavis and revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule in Mumbai to formally lodge a complaint against illegal sand mining, said the illegal sand extraction at Rakshasbhuvan be stopped immediately.

When contacted Beed district collector Vivek Johnson said an officer of the rank of additional collector has been already asked to carry out an inquiry into the matter. “Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiry,” he said.