The action began after Sonawane was burnt alive by persons associated with the oil adulteration racket near Manmad in Nashik district on January 27.
"Since the murder, strict orders have been issued to the police to trace the people associated with oil, sand, food adulteration rackets. There were special orders particularly to act against oil and sand mafia," a Home department official said.
414 people associated with oil adulteration rackets and 357 linked to sand mafia were arrested in raids conducted in a a joint operation by police and revenue department officials, the official added.
Police arrested 11 persons in connection with Sonawane's murder. However, prime accused Popat Shinde, who received burn injuries himself, died in the hospital subsequently.
Published 17 March 2011, 11:34 IST