Police–Gravel Mafia Nexus Exposed Amid Aravalli Row; Five SHOs Suspended, Six Others Attached to Police Lines in Rajasthan

Jaipur:
In a major embarrassment for the Rajasthan Police amid the ongoing controversy over the Aravalli hills and the contentious “100-metre rule,” a large-scale nexus between police personnel and the illegal gravel (bajri) mafia has been exposed through a statewide decoy operation. The revelations have prompted swift disciplinary action, with five station house officers (SHOs) suspended and six others attached to police lines, while 15 more policemen have come under investigation.

The crackdown follows a covert operation conducted to verify complaints of unchecked illegal gravel mining and transportation across the state. The operation uncovered glaring lapses and alleged collusion at police stations spread across eight districts, where vehicles laden with illegally mined gravel were found passing freely—often directly in front of police stations—without any enforcement action.

Illegal Transport Flourished Under Police Watch

Investigators found that illegal gravel-laden trucks were moving unabated through key routes, raising serious concerns about systematic protection being extended to the mining mafia. Despite the visible movement of these vehicles, police personnel at several locations allegedly failed to intervene, strengthening suspicions of long-standing collusion.

Following mounting complaints, senior authorities ordered a high-level decoy operation, which produced “shocking findings,” officials said.

11 Vigilance Teams Deployed

Given the gravity of the allegations, the state government constituted 11 vigilance teams to conduct surveillance and inspections across multiple districts. These teams monitored illegal gravel transportation and assessed the role of local police units. Several suspicious activities were documented during inspections carried out as recently as November.

Senior Officers Face Action

Director General of Police Rajeev Sharma confirmed the action, stating that strict instructions have been issued to district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to initiate departmental inquiries against the erring officials.

“The government is committed to taking strict action against mafias. Decoy operations are conducted regularly, and any police officer found colluding will face stringent consequences,” the DGP said.

Probe Ongoing, More Action Likely

The administration has made it clear that the action taken so far is only preliminary, and the investigation is continuing under the supervision of senior officers. The role of other officials and individuals linked to illegal gravel mining is also being examined.

Officials indicated that the unfolding probe could lead to further suspensions and disciplinary action in the coming days. The development signals a tougher stance by the state against illegal mining operations and corruption within enforcement agencies.

The exposure of the police–mafia nexus has once again brought the issue of illegal mining in the fragile Aravalli ecosystem into sharp focus, intensifying calls for accountability and stricter enforcement to protect the environment and uphold the rule of law.