Patiala Police has launched a major crackdown on sand smuggling in the district and seized equipment and machinery meant for illegal transportation of sand.
“Such instances of illegal mining in the state will be dealt with an iron hand,” said RN Dhoke, Enforcement Director, Mining.
Sharing details, Dhoke said: “Recently, Patiala Police, in coordination with the mining officials, conducted a raid at an illegal mining site in Chalaila village, and seized a JCB machine.
A criminal case has also been registered under sections 379 o the Indian Penal Code and 4 (1), 21 (1) of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, on April 15 at Police Station Anaj Mandi, Patiala.”
He said that one of the main accused — Om Parkash alias Omi from Patiala — is still at large. “We have arrested one of his close associates, namely Gursewak Singh of Seona village from Patiala district.
Our investigating team is confident to nab everyone associated with the illegal mining to take further necessary action against them as per law,” he said.
As per the directions given by the ED, mining, we have kept our officers alert and such illegal act will be tolerated in the district”, said Patiala SSP Vikram Jeet Duggal.
During the course of investigation, Anaj Mandi Police has also seized one JCB Machine, six tippers, one truck, two tractors, and three trolleys.
Huge heaps of illegal sand has also been recovered by the police in Focal Point area, the quantity of which will be estimated by the investigating team through the Mining Department, said the SSP.