Straight Talk
Pradeep Ramteke
Editor-in-Chief
Throughout Chimur Taluka, the smuggling of sand and murrum (gravel) continues unabated, 24 hours a day, all year round. This illicit trade in sand and murrum is being deliberately overlooked—or perhaps actively ignored—by the concerned government officials and the local MLA!
Consequently, it has become evident that the criminal tentacles of the sand and murrum smuggling mafia have taken deep and dangerous root within Chimur Taluka.
During the BJP’s tenure, while illegal trades of all kinds are flourishing on a massive scale across Chimur Taluka, all government officials—as well as the local MLA, Kirtikumar—have remained conspicuously silent. Does this silence imply that these illegal activities in Chimur Taluka are operating under the “blessings” of high-ranking officials within the Maharashtra State Revenue Department, including the Revenue Minister, Hon. Chandrashekhar Bawankule?
Furthermore, the fact that the Police Department and MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadia have remained passive—both in spirit and in duty—while sand smuggling, illegal liquor sales, gambling rackets, and murrum smuggling continue on a massive scale in Chimur Taluka, suggests a complete failure of authority.
As a result, serious doubts are now beginning to arise: Do all these illegal businesses in Chimur Taluka enjoy the tacit approval—or even the “blessings”—of the Home and Revenue Departments of the Maharashtra State Government? Sand and Murrum Smuggling: An Accounting…
For the past nine years, the smuggling of sand and murrum (gravel) through illegal excavation has been occurring continuously within the Chimur taluka (sub-district). On a daily basis, 200 brass—or even more—of sand is being stolen. The smuggling of *murrum*, in particular, has taken place—and continues to take place—on a massive scale.
Based on a rate of 200 brass of sand smuggled illicitly per day, over a six-month period, this amounts to the theft of 36,000 brass of sand.
The potential revenue from fines associated with this 36,000 brass of sand amounts to ₹4.32 billion; over a nine-year period, the total potential revenue from fines reaches ₹38.88 billion.
As for the smuggling of murrum within the Chimur taluka the scale is simply incalculable; however, it is certain that over these nine years, illegal smuggling activities involving murrum would have incurred potential fines amounting to nearly ₹5 billion.
In essence, this implies that over the past nine years, revenue totaling ₹43.88 billion has been lost—or effectively misappropriated—within the Chimur taluka.
MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadia and His Tenure…
Since Kirtikumar Bhangadia assumed office as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Chimur constituency, there has been a massive surge in all manner of illicit activities within the Chimur taluka. Furthermore, these illegal rackets have received—and continue to receive—open patronage and protection.
Consequently, there is a strong suspicion that—acting under his direct initiative, patronage, and protection, as well as through the misuse of his official power and position, and through deliberate negligence—MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadia has allowed the smuggling of sand and murrum to proceed on an absolutely colossal scale within the Chimur taluka.
Furthermore, it was precisely during his tenure that illegal activities witnessed a massive surge within the Chimur taluka. Consequently, a pertinent question arises: into whose pockets does the turnover—amounting to billions of rupees—generated through illegal sand and murrum (gravel) smuggling, as well as other illicit trades, ultimately flow? Moreover, who are the beneficiaries sharing in the profits derived from these illegal enterprises?
What is the purpose of the MLA and the officials?….
If the MLA and the administrative officials are turning a blind eye to the various illegal activities currently rampant across the Chimur taluka—thereby causing the exchequer to lose revenue worth billions of rupees—then one is compelled to ask: what, exactly, is the purpose of having an MLA and such officials?
Are funds provided for various events using illicit earnings?…..
Within the Chimur Assembly constituency, various social programs are organized by different community groups. Additionally, festivals such as Ganeshotsav, birth anniversaries (Jayantis), death anniversaries (Punyatithis), and other celebrations are observed on a grand scale.
Does MLA Kirtikumar Bhangadia provide substantial financial contributions for all these diverse events—funds that have been amassed through illicit and clandestine means? This question compels one to engage in deep introspection and demand a comprehensive clarification.
