A high-level fact-finding committee has concluded that last month's destruction of a check dam on the Manair river in Telangana was a deliberate act of sabotage orchestrated by the sand mafia. The panel has called for a comprehensive investigation into what it suspects is a well-organized illegal sand mining operation.
Committee Finds Evidence of Explosives
The committee, led by V Prakash, former chairman of the Telangana Water Resource Development Corporation, visited the damaged structure near Tanugula village in Jammikunta mandal on Friday. The team, which included former university vice-chancellors and retired irrigation engineers, meticulously examined the site and spoke to local farmers.
Their investigation points to an explosion as the cause of the November 21 collapse. The panel stated that gelatine sticks were planted to destroy the water barrier, a move intended to facilitate the illegal transportation of sand. Villagers reported hearing loud noises late at night and later discovered dead fish along the sandbanks, which the committee cites as clear indicators of a blast.
Criticism of Police and Political Leaders
The experts expressed serious concern over the official response to the incident. Despite the irrigation department filing a formal complaint, the police registered only a 'nominal' case and have made no visible effort to investigate or apprehend those responsible.
The panel also took aim at political figures, criticizing Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar and Peddapalli MLA Ch Vijaya Ramana Rao for blaming the collapse on poor construction quality without any inquiry. The committee labeled this as an attempt to divert attention from the real culprits. It further hinted at possible high-level involvement, suggesting that 'influential figures at the state level' might be shielding the perpetrators.
A Pattern of Attacks and Demand for Action
Committee members highlighted a similar incident from two years ago in Peddapalli mandal, where farmers reportedly thwarted an attempt by the sand mafia to blow up a check dam on the Hussain Miya stream. Although explosive material was recovered then, no one has been held accountable.
Given this recurring pattern and the severity of the latest blast, the fact-finding committee has demanded a full-fledged probe into all related cases. It insists on strict legal action against those involved in damaging crucial public irrigation infrastructure for illicit gains.
The committee comprised notable members including Professor K Seetharama Rao, former vice-chancellor of BR Ambedkar Open University, Professor C Raghava Reddy of the University of Hyderabad, and retired irrigation superintending engineers Damodar Reddy and Sridhar Rao Deshpande.
