India Today Investigation: Illegal Sand Mining Mafia Exposed in Uttarakhand's Kosi River

In this Special Report, India Today's Special Investigation Team exposes the rampant illegal sand mining devastating the Kosi River in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar. Reporter Nitin Jain uncovers a disturbing nexus where the 'sand mafia' operates with unchecked impunity, allegedly facilitated by the government itself. The investigation reveals that Kailash River Bed Minerals, a company tasked with monitoring mining, is openly engaged in illegal extraction. Visuals capture overloaded trucks and tractors ravaging the riverbed in broad daylight, defying National Green Tribunal orders. When confronted, the mining mafia intimidated the reporting team, highlighting the dangerous reality of reporting on this environmental plunder. The report raises critical questions about the administration's silence and the blatant disregard for laws designed to protect India's lifelines.