Ferozepur SSP summoned as petitioner in mining case booked

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 26

A week after the Punjab and Haryana High Court was told that cross-border smuggling of AK47 rifles and contraband was taking place in garb of mining in Ferozepur area, the petitioner before the Bench today claimed registration of a case against him just two days after the previous hearing. Pressure for comprising the matter was also alleged.

Taking cognisance, the Bench of Justice Rajan Gupta and Justice Karamjit Singh summoned Ferozepur SSP. He was directed to remain present in the court on the next date. Proceedings pursuant to the FIR against the petitioner were also stayed.

The Bench observed that the state counsel, on the previous date of hearing, had sought time to seek instructions from Chief Secretary. He today informed the court that the Chief Secretary had asked for a statement from various quarters in light of a report submitted in the matter by the then Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur.

Counsel for the petitioner, on the other hand, apprised the Court that an FIR was registered against him two days after the earlier order was passed at the behest of Manochahal village sarpanch’s son. He further submitted that the petitioner was being pressured by the mining officer to settle the issue amicably, failing which he would face the consequences.

Speaking for the Bench Justice Gupta had earlier asserted that the report contained serious indictment of certain individuals, all of whom were related. “According to the report, under the garb of illegal mining, smuggling of AK47 rifles and contraband such as heroin is taking place in the area. Certain activities of these persons even endanger security of the country.”