Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann promises judicial probe into illegal mining in Samana

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday promised judicial probe into illegal mining in Samana, a month after seven schoolchildren died in a road accident involving a sand-laden tipper.

The CM said he had also ordered stern action against tipper operators flouting traffic norms and anyone shielding the accused and influencing the probe won’t be spared.

Mann made the remarks after he met families of the seven children who died in the road accident.

Soon after the visit, Samana DSP Guriqbal Singh Sikand was transferred to Shahpur Kandi in Pathankot.

Mann had promised the families that stern action would be taken against the police officials found involved for laxity in registering the case.

Addressing the media after his visit, Mann assured a judicial probe into illegal mining, following accusations that overloaded tippers frequently plied on the roads of Samana.

“A family told me that hundreds of tippers ferry through this town daily, with many illegally,” said Mann.

The CM confirmed that the 19-year-old driver of the tipper involved in the accident possessed only a learner’s licence.

“Only individuals with valid heavy vehicle licences are permitted to operate tipper. This kind of negligence is criminal,” he said.

Mann said he had ordered all police commissioners, SSPs and Transport Department officials across the state to take stern action against tipper operators flouting traffic norms. “Let me make it clear — anyone found shielding the accused or influencing police investigations — whether from my party or any other, will not be spared,” asserted Mann.

Responding to the ongoing protest by the victims’ families, demanding the arrest of truck owner Randhir Singh and action against erring police officers, Mann said the government would take departmental action against officials found guilty of showing laxity. “Those responsible will face transfers, departmental proceedings and even be sent to the police lines,” he said, adding that families ended their protest after the assurance. He directed the Deputy Commissioner to conduct a survey for the four-laning of the accident-prone road stretch near Pasiana, and stressed the need for stricter monitoring of school vehicles.

Memorial to victims

To honour the memory of the children, Mann announced the establishment of a Children’s Memorial Trust in which the mothers of the deceased will be made members.