In a joint operation, the district administration and Haridwar police seized 36 vehicles loaded with mining materials from Ganga river bed. later, the trucks, dumpers and tractor trolleys inmpounded during the operation were sent to Uttar Pradesh.
The vehicles were seized for carrying more loads than permited on the grounds of being over loaded than the permissible limits. The seizure of such a magnitude has raised questions over how the mined materials were being transported despite the state High Court having banned mining.
It is learnt that sand and sandstones were being sent from laldhang, Gandikhata to Uttar Pradesh when a team of Haridwar police acting on tip off raided the site. led by SDM Manish Kumar and CO city Prakash Chand Deoli, 36 vehicles were seized for carrying mined materials weighing 20 tons while the challans were for nine tons. When questioned, the drivers of the trucks showed the documents issued in the name of single stockiest Irfan Bhandaran in Chidiapur.
CO Prakash Chand Deoli said, “The material was being transported from laldhang to UP via Kotdwar. We have seized the vehicles under Motor Vehicle Act for being overloaded. Investigation is also on whether the materials were being transported in defiance of the law. If found so, strict action will be taken against the stockists.”
Increasing vigilance, Haridwar police have deputed extra force on borders. SSP Krishna Kumar VK said, “Complete ban has been imposed on mining and liquor sale in the entire district. Our team is extra vigilant in the border areas of the district. The CO and thana incharges have been asked to inspect randomly.”