Seized machines returned to owners, drivers still at large

No action taken against contractor of the mining site from where two Poclains and one JCB machine were seized; only three drivers were booked

DRIVE AGAINST MINING WITH HEAVY MACHINES WAS INTENSIFIED AFTER CHIEF MINISTER HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER ILLEGAL MINING

JALANDHAR: Three weeks after the rural police and the mining department detected illegal mining and seized two poclains and one JCB machine being illegally used at the Salkiana quarry in Phillaur, no action has been initiated against the contractor of the site. The police have also returned the seized machines to the owners.

The use of machines like JCBS, poclains and excavators for mining has been banned, but these machines were used with impunity to extract a huge quantity of sand.

However, no action has been taken against the contractor of the mining site.

The Phillaur police, on the recommendation of the mining department, had only registered a case against three unidentified people under Section 379 (theft) of the IPC and relevant sections of the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957.

“The case was registered on the recommendation of the mining department, but no action has been initiated against the site contractor,” Phillaur SHO Jatinder Kumar said. He said that seized vehicles were returned on bail.

General manager of the mining department Amarjit Singh could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.

On April 23, a team, comprising senior industrial promotional officer (SIPO), Phillaur sub-divisional magistrate, and the local police conducted an inspection around 7 pm at the Salkiana quarry and spotted illegal mining being done by using heavy machines, which have been banned.

“The size of this quarry is less than five hectare and, as per rules, no machine can be used for mining at this site. Machines have been seized, but drivers are absconding,” said inquiry officer ASI Iqbal Singh.

He said that the case was registered on the recommendation of SIPO Manjeet Singh.

Chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh had ordered a crackdown on illegal mining, spotting heavy machinery being used on the Sutlej riverbed in Phillaur and Rahon on March 6. Six contractors were booked in this matter.

Following this, the CM had directed deputy commissioners (DCS) and SSPS of the districts concerned to crack down on the activity of illegal mining and seize the heavy equipment.