Illegal extraction of laterite has allegedly been ongoing for more than three months at Badas (Inam) village in the Belagavi Rural Assembly constituency, represented by Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, despite the presence of the police and the Mines and Geology Department. Laterite, an essential input for cement production, is reportedly being mined in clear violation of regulations.
The Mines and Geology Department acted only after activist Rahul Siddappa Avanache of Mucchandi village complained to District Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan on Friday. Officials carried out a raid on Saturday and temporarily stopped the illegal activity. However, residents allege that the “influential” contractor resumed mining within hours.
Contractor Dastagir Walikar had secured permission in March 2025 to extract 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of laterite from 12 acres in Badas (Inam). Investigations suggest that he allegedly expanded operations to three unauthorised locations within the same village and another site in Morab village of Khanapur taluk. Locals have termed the raid a mere eyewash, claiming no vehicles or machinery were seized, no minerals confiscated, and no notice served to the contractor, despite provisions for arrest under the law.
Instead, notices were reportedly issued to small farmers whose lands were used for the illegal mining, sparking concerns over accountability. Senior geologist Bindan Patil, who led the raid, denied claims of resumed operations and said notices would be served to landowners. “The contractor has been warned against such activities,” she told reporters, but declined to reveal the quantity of illegally mined laterite so far, citing an ongoing assessment.
Sources allege that the extracted laterite is being transported to cement plants in Kalaburagi and Andhra Pradesh, passing through the limits of 15–20 police stations without inspection. Activist Avanache has called for strict action against contractors and safeguards to prevent farmers from being exploited.
