Former IAS officer U. Sagayam, who unearthed the massive granite scam in Tamil Nadu in 2014 while serving as a court-appointed special officer, has raised serious concerns over his inability to appear before a special court in Madurai, citing threats to his life.
In a letter addressed to the Special Public Prosecutor of the Special Court for Mines and Minerals in Madurai, Sagayam explained that he could not comply with the court’s summons requiring him to appear on 26 March to present evidence related to the scam.
Dated 25 March, his letter noted that he had previously been provided armed security following a 2014 directive from the Madras High Court, recognizing the potential danger linked to his role as Legal Commissioner investigating illegal granite mining operations.
However, he stated that the security arrangement was discontinued in May 2023 by the Tamil Nadu government—without seeking the High Court’s consent. Sagayam criticized the decision, attributing it to a committee of senior police officers whose conclusion to withdraw his protection, he argued, was unfair and lacked objectivity.
He contended that the officers failed to properly evaluate the serious nature of the offences, the scale of corruption involved, and the powerful vested interests in the granite mining industry. He added that the substantial financial losses to the state—revealed in his investigation—further warranted ongoing protection.
Before approaching the court, Sagayam had appealed to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to reinstate his security cover, but his request went unheeded.
Pointing to Murders as Evidence of Risk
Sagayam highlighted recent violent incidents to underscore the dangers faced by whistleblowers. He referenced the murder of Jagabar Ali in Pudukottai, reportedly killed by the illegal quarry mafia in January 2025, and the attempted murder of Zakir Hussain in Tirunelveli. Sagayam stated that such attacks demonstrated the deteriorating law and order situation and showed that criminal networks in the mining sector operated with impunity.
In his letter to the court, Sagayam wrote that law-abiding citizens and activists lived in constant fear, adding, “It’s a free run for hardened criminals.” Until his security is reinstated, he declared that he would be unable to comply with any future court summons.
Uncovering a Scam Worth Over ₹1 Lakh Crore
Sagayam’s landmark 600-page report submitted to the Madras High Court in November 2015 exposed large-scale illegal granite extraction around Melur in Madurai district, dating back to the 1990s. His investigation estimated the direct loss to the state at ₹65,154.60 crore. With penalties and recovery costs, the total impact could rise to around ₹1.06 lakh crore.
Whistleblower Transfers and Systemic Resistance
Sagayam’s involvement began when, as Madurai District Collector in 2012, he submitted a confidential report to the state government highlighting illegal quarrying worth ₹16,000 crore. Within a day of his submission, he was transferred. His successor, Anshul Mishra, took stringent action, shutting down 94 quarries and freezing financial accounts linked to the operations. He too was transferred soon after submitting his findings to the government.
The Madras High Court later appointed Sagayam as Commissioner of Inquiry following a PIL. The investigation led to the suspension and transfer of several government officials, including those from Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (TAMIN) and two former District Collectors—C. Kamaraj and N. Mathivanan.
Criminal Charges and High-Profile Involvement
Nearly 98 FIRs were filed between 2012 and 2013, targeting officials from the Revenue and Mines departments and several private mining companies. Notably, companies like Olympus Granites (allegedly linked to Durai Dayanidhi, son of former Union Minister M.K. Alagiri), PRP Exports (owned by P.R. Palanichamy), and Sindhu Granites were named in the investigations.
Today, the once-thriving granite mining sector in Madurai has nearly ground to a halt due to ongoing criminal proceedings and public scrutiny.
Sagayam has requested that his security be reinstated and demanded strict action against both criminal elements and complicit officials. He confirmed to Frontline that he had also written to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court about his situation, adding tersely, “I have nothing more to say.”
(With Inputs From The Hindu)
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