Sand Mafia Tension Erupts in Mulugu District: Villagers Stage Dramatic Protest After Alleged Attack

Mulugu district witnessed high tension this week after villagers from Abbaiygudem in Venkatapuram mandal launched a massive protest against what they describe as the unchecked activities of the sand mafia in their region. The situation escalated further when members of a local sand society allegedly attacked the protestors, leaving at least one woman injured and several others shaken.

The unrest has sparked widespread outrage, with residents demanding immediate government intervention to halt illegal sand transportation, which they say is destroying their farmland, damaging village roads, and threatening their daily lives.

Villagers Say Sand Mafia Has Taken Over Their Lands

For several months, locals from Abbaiygudem and nearby tribal hamlets have been complaining about the continuous movement of sand-laden lorries through their agricultural fields and internal roads. According to the villagers, the heavy vehicles have:

• Flattened standing crops
• Eroded fertile soil
• Damaged key connecting routes
• Created hazardous dust pollution
• Endangered children and elderly residents

Many allege that the sand operations are running with impunity despite repeated complaints to officials.

A local farmer expressed his frustration:

“Every day, 10 to 20 trucks pass through our fields. Our crops are dying, our roads are gone, and no one listens to us.”

Protest on the Main Road: Pesticide Cans Used as Symbolic Resistance

In a dramatic form of protest, villagers placed empty pesticide cans across the main road and sat down around them, staging a sit-in to block lorry movement.

The symbolic act was meant to highlight what they claim is the “slow poisoning” of their livelihood. Social media footage of the protest quickly circulated, drawing attention to the escalating tensions.

One protestor said:

“These pesticide cans represent the state of our farmlands. Everything we grow is getting destroyed.”

Alleged Attack on Protestors by Sand Society Members

What began as a peaceful demonstration soon took a violent turn.

According to the villagers, a group of sand society members arrived at the protest site and allegedly assaulted them in an attempt to disperse the crowd. In the scuffle, a woman was reportedly injured and had to be rushed to a local hospital.

Eyewitnesses claim the attackers arrived in vehicles and verbally abused the protestors before resorting to physical violence.

Local youth insisted:

“We were sitting quietly. They came and started hitting people. If we protest, they beat us. If we stay silent, our lands are destroyed. What should we do?”

Villagers Say Authorities Ignored Repeated Complaints

Residents allege that they have approached district officials multiple times—including the Mulugu District Collector’s office—but no firm action has been taken.

Their major grievances include:

• Illegal sand transportation continues despite complaints
• Lorries travel during night hours to avoid checks
• Warning notices by authorities are allegedly ignored
• No compensation provided for crop damage
• No protection for protestors

A resident remarked:

“The Collector knows. The Tahsildar knows. Everyone knows. Still, nothing changes. How long should we suffer?”

The villagers say their patience has run out, and they will continue their agitation until concrete steps are taken.

Appeal to Minister Seethakka

The villagers have publicly appealed to State Minister Seethakka, who is known for actively supporting tribal and remote communities in the Mulugu region. They want her to visit the affected area and initiate immediate action against the sand mafia network.

They demand:

• A complete shutdown of the sand reach
• Police protection for villagers
• Arrests of those who allegedly attacked protestors
• Restoration of damaged roads
• Compensation for agricultural loss
• Strong surveillance on sand transportation routes

A tribal elder emphasized:

“Only if Seethakka steps in, we believe something will truly change.”

Daily Life Turning Into a Battlefield

For many villagers, the situation has turned into a daily battle.

The constant movement of heavy-loaded trucks has made even basic activities—walking to school, tending to crops, travelling to the market—dangerous.

Parents fear letting their children walk near the roads. Farmers say the dust and vibration are ruining both crops and groundwater channels.

A villager summarized the crisis:

“Our fields, our safety, our peace—everything is under threat because of sand money.”

Administrative Response Awaited

As of now, district authorities have not issued a detailed official statement regarding the alleged attack or the villagers’ demands. The community, however, insists that their struggle will continue until the illegal sand operations are halted and accountability is ensured.

With tensions rising and public anger growing, the government may soon be compelled to take decisive action to address the concerns of Abbaiygudem and surrounding tribal villages.