Illegal mining probe suspects nexus between mafia, cops; 3 nabbed

The investigation into an illegal mining case in Panchkula have led to revelation of alleged involvement of serving and former station house officers (SHOs) of police stations in the crime.

While the names of the police officials involved in the matter are yet to be revealed, the Panchkula crime branch officials have zeroed in on the name of a Haryana Home Guard, Deepak, who allegedly acted as a middleman between illegal miners and police personnel.

WhatsApp groups under lens

The Panchkula crime branch have put under scanner WhatsApp groups -- Mauli Barwala traffic, Har Har Mahadev and Punjab transport having 500 members each -- allegedly circulating information about the movement of vehicles

The crime branch has arrested three individuals -- Ram Sharan of Hangoli village in Raipur Rani, Amardeep, a resident of Bataur village in Chandimandir, and Aadesh of Saharanpur in UP -- in an illegal mining case. The trio was produced before a local court today which sent them in 7-day police remand.

Meanwhile, the police have put under scanner WhatsApp groups under the names Mauli Barwala traffic, Har Har Mahadev and Punjab transport having 500 members each that allegedly used to circulate information about the movement of vehicles.

As per remand application submitted by the police in the court, Ram Sharan, Amardeep, Aadesh, Chhaja Singh, Romi Patiala and several others were involved in illegal mining in areas of Chandimandir, Ramgarh, Mouli and Pinjore. The police said Deepak was allegedly connected with the accused through Whatsapp and acted as a middleman between the miners and police officials.

ASP Manpreet Singh Sudan, who was present in he court, said the alleged involvement of police officials was a part of investigation. “The matter came to light on Wednesday. Three individuals have been arrested. We will carry-out further raids to nab the other accused," he said.