Mains Marathon

Day 46: You are Anand, an honest Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in a semi-urban region of a state where illegal sand mining is controlled by a well-organized mafia. A junior revenue inspector, recently transferred to your division, confidentially informs you about daily truckloads of illegally mined sand being moved at night, with the connivance of local police and panchayat officials.

You plan a night raid and seize multiple vehicles and detain some contractors. The next day, a local MLA publicly criticizes you and accuses you of harassment and corruption. You’re informed through unofficial channels that your transfer file is being prepared in the Secretariat.
Simultaneously, social media is lauding you as a “model officer”, and citizens in the area begin a small movement against sand mafia influence. However, your family back home begins receiving threatening messages, and your junior officer now wants to withdraw his testimony.

A. What are the key ethical dilemmas faced by Anand?

B. Evaluate the possible options before him, including:

a. Continuing the crackdown alone

b. Requesting central/state protection and escalating the issue

c. Seeking a discreet transfer while filing a confidential report

C. What decision would you take? Justify it with reference to the foundational values of civil service. (250 words)