An undercover investigation byO Heraldohas exposed a well-organised illegal sand import racket operating across the Goa-Karnataka border, with the Polem check post emerging as a key point of passage. Bribes are allegedly being paid to police and excise officials to allow sand-laden trucks to enter Goa without checks, in blatant violation of legal and environmental directives.
The investigation traced the illegal trade from sand extraction points at Hotegali and Asnoti in Karnataka. Trucks — including many bearing Goa registration plates — were seen being loaded with sand and heading directly toward the Polem border. Despite a ban on sand import from neighbouring states, not a single truck was stopped or inspected by authorities.
Illegal sand smuggled into Goa via the Polem check post on the Karnataka border
Trucks allegedly pay Rs 100 per trip to police and excise personnel to cross unchecked into Goa
Sand laden trucks not stopped or inspected despite ban
The racket operates after midnight to avoid public and media attention
Sand is extracted from sites in Hotegali and Asnoti, in Karnataka
The operation comes to life after midnight, with truck traffic continuing into the wee hours — a calculated effort to evade public scrutiny. The smooth passage of these trucks under the cover of darkness raises serious concerns about official complicity.
A labourer involved in unloading sand, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that each truck pays a bribe of Rs 100 per trip to police and excise personnel at the check post. He added that around 10 trucks enter Goa each night, often exceeding 20, with many making multiple trips.
The ease and frequency of these illegal entries — despite High Court orders directing stricter monitoring of sand transport — points to either gross administrative negligence or a well-entrenched nexus enabling the racket.
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced. The High Court has previously criticised the Goa government for its failure to control illegal sand extraction and movement, demanding compliance reports and enforcement. However, the current situation on the ground suggests that court directives are being ignored.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police (South Goa) Tikam Singh Verma told O Heraldo that he would inquire with the Canacona Police about the alleged illegal movement of sand-laden trucks.
“I will check with the Canacona Police in this regard,” Verma said.