The Tamil Nadu BJP unit on Sunday called on the ruling DMK government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate allegations of money laundering linked to widespread illegal sand mining in the state.
BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad pointed to a letter from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) and urged the Stalin-led government to take swift action against the illegal sand mining operations.
Expressing shock at the large scale of the illegal activity, Prasad criticized the stateās district administrations, the Department of Minerals and Mines, and Minister Duraimurugan for their continued silence despite numerous complaints, media reports, and the EDās letter.
Prasad further alleged that officials from several key departments, including Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Revenue, Minerals and Mines, and Public Works, were aiding the illegal operations, highlighting the DMK governmentās administrative failure and corruption.
He also criticized the previous AIADMK regime, noting that although political regimes have changed, illegal sand mining practices have persisted. “Those involved in illegal sand mining during the AIADMK regime continue to operate under the DMK’s rule, with the current government relaxing norms and enabling the sand mafia,” Prasad remarked.
The BJP leader warned that if the Tamil Nadu government fails to act on the ED’s letter, the ED should proceed with a fair and impartial trial against the concerned state officials and Minister Duraimurugan.