Ropar mining officials swing into action post Sukhpal Khaira's tweets, seize vehicle

Ropar, August 7

Mining officials today seized a tractor-trolley allegedly involved in illegal mining in the hills of the Anandpur Sahib area following news reports on the illegal activity.

The local media today reported that the mining mafia was active in sub-mountainous areas near Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib.

Hills in Kahiwal, Samlah and Paharpur of the Changar area were dug up by the mafia to extract stones during the SAD-BJP and the Congress were in power. The illegal activity, however, reportedly continues unabated during the AAP government as well.

Congress legislators Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Pargat Singh tweeted the news clippings today, tagging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Mining Minister Harjot Bains, who represents Anandpur Sahib in the Assembly.

Subsequently, a team of mining department officials and the police reached the spot at Kahiwal village, and found a tractor-trolley and a JCB machine carrying out illegal mining.

Mining Department Subdivisional Officer (SDO) Shyam Verma said officials received a video clip of illegal mining at Kahiwal village.

A case under Sections 21 (1) and 4 (1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act has been registered. Anandpur Sahib police station SHO Simranjit Singh said the accused, including the landowner, were being identified.