The Enforcement Directorate’s Jalandhar office in Punjab conducted search operations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act on 16 premises linked to illegal sand mining near the international border in Pathankot district. Documents related to the illicit mining of sand and river bed material were found during the searches. Additionally, unaccounted cash worth Rs 1.75 crore was seized, and bank accounts totaling Rs 91,34,322 were frozen.
The investigation, initiated under the PMLA, stemmed from an FIR filed by the Vigilance Bureau in Amritsar against former Additional Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Singh and eight others for unlawfully transferring village land to private individuals. The land, situated on the Ravi riverbanks near the International Border, was allegedly transferred through an order issued by Singh before his retirement.
During the raids, entities like Shree Sai Stone Crusher, Shiv Shankar Stone Crusher, and their associates were scrutinized. They were found to be involved in unauthorized excavation, purchase, sale, and transportation of sand and river-bed material without proper permits or tax payments. The probe also focuses on government officials suspected of aiding illegal mining activities, causing substantial losses to the state exchequer.
The search operations revealed a well-organized illegal mining network operating in the area, with trucks and excavators active during nighttime, some without proper identification. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, in a related PIL, highlighted the national security risks posed by mining in border areas, urging the state government to curb such activities. The Enforcement Directorate has sought the Survey of India’s assistance to scientifically examine the alleged illegal mining sites.
