Bengaluru: The mining mafia after scouting through river beds have now invaded lake beds to make some quick money and the latest in the line of their attack is the historical Kempasagar lake on the outskirts of Bengaluru, near Magadi.

Kempegowda, the chief architect of the garden city and once its ruler used to offer prayers during Vijayadashami festival at the Kempasagar lake for the well-being of the city and its citizens.

Sand mafia dons find innumerable ways to hoodwink law enforcing agencies to execute their plans. The nexus between the construction industry, politicos and the regional administration makes their job lot easier to take total control over the illegal trade. Despite several complaints from nearby residents in the recent past, the sand mining business is running on the banks of the lake as usual.

They dig pits initially and collect sand and then transfer it to the edge of the lake. Then the sand is loaded onto trucks and shipped to desired locations. Many cattle and sheep have lost lives after falling into pits left open after extracting sand. In one particular incident, there were reports of two people having lost their lives due to mudslides.

Despite such horrific incidents, the sand trade has only grown in proportion over a period of time. If people are deputed to keep watch their moves, sand miners disappear for a while only to resurface and continue the business as usual.

Interestingly, no offenders have been caught till date giving ample proof to their prowess !