Punjab: Vigilance Bureau arrested contractor involved in illegal mining

Punjab: The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a contractor named Mahavir Singh for his alleged involvement in illegal mining in connivance with mining officials in Ferozepur district from 2018 to 2019. VB officials said the accused cheated landowners and carried out illegal mining in Tindwan, Roshan Shah Wala and Bahek Gujran villages of Zira by claiming that he had a valid mining contract. This caused financial loss of Rs 4,05,60,785 to the state exchequer. No royalty was paid to the concerned landowners. Instead of taking punitive action against Mahavir, the concerned officials lodged an FIR against unknown persons under Section 379 of IPC and Section 21 of Mines and Minerals Act. Later, they issued recovery notices to the concerned landowners, VB officials said. He said Mahavir was also involved in illegal mining in Gilanwala, Ansal, Khane Ke Ahal and Khushal Singh Wala villages adjacent to the approved mines in Ferozepur. Thus, a financial loss of Rs 31,48,63,994 was incurred. VB officials said Mahavir caused a total loss of Rs 35,54,24,779 to the state exchequer in connivance with officials of Ferozepur mining department. “During investigation, we found that several cases related to illegal mining were registered by mining officials, but no legal action was taken against Mahavir of Primevision firm,” VB officials said. A case has been registered against Mahavir and mining department officials under sections 409, 379 and 120-B of IPC and section 21 of Mines and Minerals Act as well as section 13(1)(a) read with 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act.