Nagpur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday carried out a massive search operation across Nagpur district in connection with the alleged multi-crore illegal sand mining scam, sending shockwaves through political and administrative circles.
ED teams conducted simultaneous raids at around 56 locations across Saoner, Khapa, Patansaongi and nearby areas, targeting residences and business establishments of individuals suspected to be linked to illegal sand extraction and its financial network.
According to a TV news channel report, the ED searched the residence and office of Uttam Kapse, president of the Nagpur district unit of Shiv Sena (UBT). While the development has added a clear political dimension to the probe, the agency had not officially confirmed the names of those raided till late evening.
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Sources said the action stems from a case registered during the tenure of then Nagpur Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who had launched a crackdown on illegal sand mining operations in the district. The case was later transferred to the ED for investigation under the money laundering angle, prompting the central agency to intensify its probe.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the ED is examining large-scale financial transactions, benami assets and alleged proceeds of crime linked to illegal sand excavation. Documents, digital devices and other material evidence are believed to have been seized during the searches.
Highly placed sources further claimed that some of the individuals whose premises were searched are allegedly linked to Congress leader and former minister Sunil Kedar, a prominent political figure from the region. However, the ED has not issued any official statement regarding political affiliations.
The scale and coordination of Friday’s operation — involving multiple teams and simultaneous searches — indicate that the investigation has entered a critical phase.
As news of the raids spread, political circles in Nagpur remained abuzz, with the action being viewed as one of the largest crackdowns on the sand mafia in Vidarbha in recent years. Further developments are expected as the probe progresses.
