ED Raids Eight Locations Across Three States in Illegal Sand Mining Case,

Kadapa-New Delhi : In a significant crackdown on alleged illegal sand mining activities, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, conducted extensive search operations under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at multiple locations across Telangana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. The searches were carried out on May 26, 2026, targeting companies and individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining operations and the generation of proceeds of crime.

According to official sources, the ED conducted simultaneous raids at eight locations in Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Coimbatore. The operation covered the official premises of M/s GCKC Projects and Works Pvt. Ltd., M/s Prathima Infrastructure Ltd., and M/s Turnkey Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., along with residential properties linked to key individuals under investigation.

The searches were carried out at the residences of Boinipally Srinivas Rao, Ashok Kumar, and V.G. Venkata Reddy located in Hyderabad and Jaipur. Investigators also searched a farmhouse owned by Boinipally Srinivas Rao as part of the operation.

Investigation Linked to Illegal Sand Mining

The Enforcement Directorate initiated the action in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged illegal sand mining activities. The agency is probing the generation and utilization of proceeds of crime arising out of unauthorized extraction, transportation, and sale of sand, which has caused substantial losses to the public exchequer.

Illegal sand mining has emerged as a major concern in several states, with authorities alleging that organized networks often exploit natural resources in violation of mining regulations while generating massive illegal profits. Such activities not only result in financial losses to governments but also lead to environmental degradation and ecological damage.

ED officials suspect that proceeds generated through illegal mining operations were routed through various entities and individuals, prompting the agency to initiate financial investigations under the anti-money laundering law.

Cash and Valuables Recovered During Searches

During the search operations, investigators reportedly recovered a substantial amount of cash and valuables from the premises covered under the operation.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Indian currency amounting to ₹1.53 crore was found and seized during the raids. In addition, officials recovered foreign currency worth 1,800 US dollars from the searched premises.

One of the major recoveries made during the operation was silver bullion valued at approximately ₹1.29 crore, which has also been seized by the agency as part of the investigation.

The recovery of such significant quantities of cash and precious metals is expected to form an important part of the agency’s ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of proceeds generated through illegal mining activities.

Digital Devices and Documents Seized

Apart from cash and bullion, the ED seized several digital devices, including electronic records that may provide crucial evidence regarding financial transactions, ownership patterns, and movement of funds.

Officials stated that multiple incriminating documents were recovered during the searches. These documents reportedly contain details relating to movable and immovable assets held in the names of the accused persons and their family members.

Investigators are expected to conduct a detailed forensic examination of the seized electronic devices and financial records to determine the flow of funds and identify any assets allegedly acquired using proceeds of crime.

Focus on Property Holdings

The documents recovered during the searches are believed to contain information regarding various properties linked to the accused individuals and associated entities.

The Enforcement Directorate is examining whether assets including land parcels, commercial establishments, residential properties, agricultural land, and other investments were acquired through funds generated from illegal mining activities.

Sources indicate that investigators are preparing a detailed asset trail analysis to identify properties that may be linked to the alleged money laundering network. If found connected to proceeds of crime, such assets could face attachment under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Companies Under Scanner

The search operation covered several business establishments that have come under the ED’s scrutiny during the course of investigation.

Among the entities searched were GCKC Projects and Works Pvt. Ltd., Prathima Infrastructure Ltd., and Turnkey Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Officials suspect that financial transactions involving these entities may have relevance to the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are examining company records, financial statements, bank transactions, contracts, and other business documents recovered during the raids to determine the extent of involvement, if any, in the alleged laundering of funds.

Multi-State Operation

The operation highlights the widening scope of the investigation, with searches conducted across three states simultaneously.

By carrying out coordinated raids in Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Coimbatore, the ED sought to secure evidence spread across different jurisdictions and prevent possible destruction or concealment of records.

Such multi-state operations are often undertaken when investigators believe that proceeds of crime have been moved through complex financial structures involving multiple locations and entities.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Illegal sand mining has long been recognized as a major challenge for law enforcement agencies and environmental regulators. Excessive and unauthorized extraction of sand can alter river ecosystems, damage agricultural land, increase erosion, and threaten local biodiversity.

In addition to environmental concerns, illegal mining operations often deprive governments of legitimate revenue through royalty payments and taxes. Investigative agencies frequently examine whether illegally generated profits have been invested into businesses, real estate, luxury assets, or other financial instruments.

The current investigation aims to determine the scale of alleged financial gains generated through such activities and trace the ultimate beneficiaries of those funds.

Further Investigation Underway

The Enforcement Directorate has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that the evidence collected during the searches is being analyzed.

Officials are expected to scrutinize the seized documents, cash records, electronic devices, property papers, and financial transactions to establish possible links between illegal mining activities and money laundering offences.

The agency may also record statements from individuals associated with the companies and properties searched during the operation. Additional searches, asset attachments, and legal action under the PMLA could follow depending on the findings of the investigation.

The latest action by the ED underscores the agency’s continued efforts to track illicit financial gains arising from illegal mining activities and to identify assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of crime. As investigators continue to analyze the material seized during the raids, further developments in the case are expected in the coming weeks.