With the successful re-auction of 13 sand quarries in four districts, the state government raked in a record Rs 14.90 crore today. The auction has ensured that mining contractors owing allegiance to the Shiromani Akali Dal wrest control of the mining operations in the state.

Sources said there was little competition during the bidding, which indicated that the bidders had reached an “understanding” among themselves. There was no collusive bidding, because the mining contractors had reportedly decided on how to share the profits in the business once they were successful in the bidding.