Sat Sep 27 12:26:34 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, with the appropriate tone and style:

**The Hindu: Andhra Pradesh Cracks Down on Illegal Mining; Former Minister Implicated**

**AMARAVATI, India – September 27, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh government is taking decisive action against illegal mining operations, particularly in the Rustum and Bharat quarries of Podalakur Mandal, according to Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra. Speaking to the Assembly on Saturday, Ravindra detailed a crackdown that has already resulted in arrests and implicated a former minister.

The investigation centers around a surge in illegal quartz mining that began in April 2023, allegedly fueled by collusion between officials and mining operators. Ravindra stated that irregularities in the Rustum Mining Company lease were uncovered, and those responsible for supplying explosives to the illegal operations have been apprehended.

The case gained prominence in December 2023 when TDP MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, now a key figure in the ruling coalition, staged a protest at the mining site and was subsequently attacked, allegedly by individuals hired by the previous government. Reddy then lodged a complaint with the central government.

“After the coalition government assumed office, the case was reopened, and charges were filed against former Minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy and 11 others, leading to arrests,” Ravindra confirmed.

Ravindra also pointed to the Centre’s decision to declare quartz a major mineral in February 2025 as a key turning point, enabling stronger legal measures against illegal extraction.

Beyond the Podalakur mines, the minister highlighted illicit activity in the Obulapuram mines, where a substantial quantity of seized iron ore – approximately one lakh tonnes – was illegally moved. He vowed to pursue stern action in this case as well.

Addressing a broader effort to reform the mining sector, Ravindra announced that the state is addressing nearly 1,900 illegal mining cases registered since 2019. Measures also include streamlining sand supply through a free distribution policy, a move aimed at both curbing illegal practices and supporting construction activity, thereby contributing to the overall development of the state.

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