Not biting the dust: using a tripartite model of organized crime to examine India's Sand Mafia. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rege, Aunshul
• Is Part Of: International journal of comparative and applied criminal justice. Volume 40:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Sand Mafia -- environmental crimes -- international organized crime -- tripartite organized crime model -- illicit sand mining -- organized crime India; Crime -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364
• DOI: 10.1080/01924036.2015.1082486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-4036

Abstract

ABSTRACT: India's Sand Mafia, which illegally mines sand for construction, generates approximately USD 17 million per month in revenues. Despite the devastating environmental, physical, and economical harms caused, there is a dearth of criminological research on this organized crime group. This paper develops a tripartite model of organized crime that is used to explore the Sand Mafia's modus operandi, modus vivendi, and modus coordināti. It conducts document analysis of 75 media and environmental documents published between 2010 and 2015. This group operates as numerous, fragmented structures with transient memberships, and uses violence, political affiliation, and regenerative properties to ensure continued operation. Other factors, such as inadequate manpower, poor enforcement, rapid economic development, and limited acceptance of alternatives to sand, collectively compound the problem of illicit sand mining. Recommendations for alleviating the problem, such as imposing stricter regulations, implementing an independent regulatory body, and empowering local residents, are also examined. Future lines of research inquiry, such as conducting harms analysis via multidisciplinary research, are also offered.