Illegal mining bust: 3 excavators, 4 tippers seized in Swan riverbed raid in Ropar

A joint team of the mining department and police conducted raids in the Swan riverbed, confiscating three excavator machines and four tippers allegedly involved in unauthorised sand and gravel extraction. The action followed reports of illegal mining in the riverbed near Lagran and Bhalan villages.

SSP Rupnagar Maninder Singh confirmed that three excavators and four tippers were seized, and officials said legal proceedings under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, have begun against the owners.

The operation was carried out after a complaint by Karanbir Singh, JE-cum-Mining Inspector, Nangal, alleging illegal mining in the Swan river near village Bhalan. Police seized three Kobelco excavators and three tippers, and apprehended two drivers, Sorav Dhiman and Parminder Singh.

A case has been registered against the accused, including the machinery owners, under Sections 21(1) and 4(1) of the Mines and Minerals Act. The investigation is underway to identify the seized vehicles’ owners and determine the extent of illegal mining.