Karnataka High Court has demanded a court-monitored probe into illegal sand mining after Home Minister G. Parameshwara said he was "helpless" because of "involvement of many influential persons." The court said, "If the Home Minister of the State feels helpless in taking action to curb the illegal sand mining by mafias, there cannot be any hope that the said illegal activity of sand mining in the State can be curbed by the State machinery." A Division Bench with Justice D.K. Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju took suo motu cognisance based on Parameshwara's statement on January 27 in the Assembly, reported on January 28. Parameshwara had said, "Illegal sand mining is a big racket. I am not giving any explanation or naming anyone, as it is a little embarrassing. I have given only a restricted answer, but it involves many influential people. I will call a meeting to discuss the issue." The statement came while responding to MLA Karemma Naik, who raised a question about illegal sand mining and complained about threats to her life from sand mafias. The court has issued notice to the State government and will refer the petition to the Chief Justice to assign it for further hearing. This move signals serious judicial concern over the powerful sand mafia operating in Karnataka.