‘FIR filed, yet illegal mining continues’: BJP slams AAP govt, demands independent probe

“What I witnessed reflects criminal governance. An FIR has been registered, yet illegal mining is going on openly and on a larger scale. Government action exists only on paper,” Joshi alleged, adding that he possessed dated photographs and videos from both visits to substantiate his claims.

Joshi said the expansion of the excavation area showed that the mining mafia was operating fearlessly. He also raised questions over the continued silence of the local MLA. “If the MLA is unaware, it points to shocking incompetence. If she is aware and still silent, it raises far more serious concerns,” he said.

Citing interactions with villagers, Joshi claimed that money was allegedly being collected and distributed to ensure silence and protection. He said the BJP was not making direct allegations but demanding answers and an independent inquiry. “The public has the right to ask whether the MLA is a mute spectator or whether her silence is benefiting someone politically,” he said.

The BJP leader further alleged that the entire administrative and policing machinery, from local police officials to senior district officers and mining authorities, had either turned a blind eye or become complicit.

“This is not mere negligence but institutionalised corruption under the Aam Aadmi Party government,” Joshi alleged. He demanded the immediate suspension of officials found responsible, a time-bound independent probe and strict criminal action against all officials and political patrons involved. He warned that Punjab should not be allowed to become a “free-for-all mining zone under political protection”.