In a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, Ashok Rattan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Nurpur District in Himachal Pradesh, announced the results of a targeted operation conducted on March 15, 2024. The campaign, part of a broader initiative against unlawful mining, led to the registration of a case against a sand mafia group in the Chakki Khad area, under the jurisdiction of the Damtal Police Station.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities seized one Poklen, a JCB, and three tippers found actively engaged in unauthorized mining. Five individuals, identified as Dharamveer son of Shri Subhash, Shammi Bhardhaj son of Kishore Kumar, Deepak Singh son of Vishambar Singh, Sanjeev Kumar son of Kishore Kumar, and Rakesh Kumar son of Gaure Lal—all residents of Damtal Tehsil Intaura—were arrested. A case under Section 21(1) of the Mines & Minerals Act alongside IPC sections 379 and 34 was registered against them at the Dumtal Police Station (Case No. 45/24).
Additionally, on March 14, 2024, the District Police issued three challans under the Illegal Mining Act, collecting a total fine of Rs 14,700 from violators. Reflecting on the year’s efforts to combat illegal mining, the Nurpur District Police disclosed that up to March 15, 2024, a total of seven challans were issued, resulting in fines amounting to Rs 15,74,400. Moreover, four cases have been registered, and 24 vehicles implicated in illegal mining activities have been seized.
The Superintendent of Police emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to continuing its campaign against the illegal mining mafia, underscoring the significance of preserving the region’s natural resources and upholding the law.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
