ED cracks down on alleged sand mining network, ₹1.53 crore cash and silver bullion seized in multi-state raids

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, has conducted extensive search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an alleged illegal sand mining case involving infrastructure and project companies across multiple states.

According to officials, the searches were carried out on May 26, 2026, at eight locations spread across Hyderabad, Jaipur and Coimbatore. The raids targeted official premises of companies including GCKC Projects and Works Pvt. Ltd., Prathima Infrastructure Ltd. and Turnkey Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.along with residential premises linked to accused individuals.

The ED also searched properties connected to Boinipally Srinivas Rao, Ashok Kumar and V.G. Venkata Reddy in Hyderabad and Jaipur. A farmhouse allegedly linked to Srinivas Rao was also covered during the operation.

Officials said the searches resulted in the seizure of Indian currency amounting to ₹1.53 crore, foreign currency worth 1,800 US dollars, and silver bullion valued at approximately ₹1.29 crore. In addition, investigators recovered multiple digital devices and several incriminating documents allegedly linked to movable and immovable assets held in the names of the accused persons and their family members.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the recovered documents are expected to help investigators trace financial transactions, property acquisitions and possible proceeds generated through alleged illegal sand mining operations.

The Enforcement Directorate is probing suspected money laundering linked to illegal extraction and transportation of sand, an issue that has repeatedly drawn attention in several states due to environmental concerns and allegations of organised illegal mining networks.

Illegal sand mining has emerged as a major enforcement challenge across India in recent years, with central and state agencies frequently conducting crackdowns on syndicates accused of unauthorised excavation, environmental violations and tax evasion. Investigators often examine whether proceeds from such activities were diverted into shell companies, real estate investments or other assets.

Officials said forensic examination of the seized digital devices and financial records is underway. The agency is also likely to scrutinise property ownership patterns and banking transactions connected to the individuals and companies under investigation.

No official statement regarding arrests or custodial action had been announced at the time of publication. Further investigation in the case is currently underway under provisions of the PMLA.