Enforcement Directorate raids illegal mining sites in Punjab, recovers Rs 3 crore

Among those implicated in the illegal mining operations are Nasib Chand, identified as a key figure in the mining mafia, Shree Ram Stone Crushers and others. The recovered cash, totalling Rs 3 crore, represents a significant dent in the financial infrastructure supporting the illicit activities.

The Bhola drug case, spearheaded by now-dismissed cop Jagdish Singh Bhola, exposed a synthetic drug racket estimated to be worth over Rs 10,000 crore in Punjab over a decade ago. The ED has attached properties worth over Rs 200 crore belonging to various people, including politicians, NRIs and Bhola himself.

ED sources have indicated that the recovered funds may only scratch the surface of the illicit wealth amassed, with further seizures expected as investigations progress. Additionally, the raids yielded crucial documents pertaining to the illegal mining operations, providing investigators with valuable leads to pursue.

Despite the rampant nature of illegal mining activities in Ropar district and its environs, the ED’s jurisdiction is limited to cases involving substantial sums of money and cases registered earlier. Sources in the agency said the police, which retain primary authority to address illegal mining, have to do more.

The ED raids serve as a stark reminder of a menace that has been prevalent for over the past two decades in the state.