DVAC Probes ₹4,730-Crore Sand Mining Scam in Tamil Nadu on ED Complaint
The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has launched an investigation into an alleged ₹4,730-crore river sand mining scam across Tamil Nadu following a complaint from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), official sources said on Monday, October 5, 2026.
A detailed inquiry was ordered after the ED alleged widespread irregularities in river sand mining that occurred during the previous DMK government. As part of the inquiry, which is being conducted to establish whether a prima facie offence exists prior to registering a formal case, the DVAC has issued notices to contractors, officials, and others implicated in the matter.
The central agency had previously reached out to the Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police on June 13, 2024, providing evidence of illegal sand excavation and requesting that a First Information Report be registered. A reminder was dispatched to the DGP on July 18, 2024, but no action was taken at the time.
The ED had registered a case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Investigators collected evidence by deploying advanced scientific techniques in collaboration with experts associated with a company incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
Using these advanced techniques, the agency assessed the volume of sand excavated across all 28 river-sand mining locations. A report compiled by the ED noted that the survey showed mining activity far exceeding permissible limits. Investigators quantified the illegally mined sand at ₹4,730 crore, classifying the sum as proceeds of crime.
The investigation also incorporated GPS tracking data provided by the manufacturer that sold excavators to the mining contractors. This technical data—encompassing precise GPS coordinates, Geo Scanning, and Geo Fencing—outlined the operational hours and excavation timings of individual machines at designated sites.
The ED compared this operational data with the GPS coordinates of legally permitted quarries and the machinery limits set under State government rules. The agency stated that its findings conclusively established that the excavators were deployed and operated beyond the demarcated boundaries.
