Poclain, JCB machines, truck used in illegal mining seized

After getting a secret information, the Nurpur district police seized poclain and JCB machines and one truck used by the mafia in illegal mining in local rivulets on Sunday night. As per information, a team from Rey police chowki under the Fatehpur police station seized a poclain machine from local Rey khud. On seeing the police, suspects engaged in illegal mining fled from the spot leaving the poclain machine behind. The seized machine had no documents and registration certificate.

The police registered a case under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act against unidentified owners of the machine. Officials suspect that the poclain machine is owned by a stone crusher owner in bordering state of Punjab.

In another incident the police conducted a raid in the Khanni area of Chakki rivulet near Kandwal in Nurpur and seized one JCB machine and one truck used in illegal mining on the riverbed. The police booked machine and truck drivers Pradeep Kumar, a resident of Khanni village, and Suresh Pathania, a resident of Maira village. Officials believed that the seized machinery belonged to owner of a stone crusher from neighbouring Punjab area.

Ashok Ratan, SP, Nurpur, said the seized machinery would be released by the court. The police would also take action against the suspects involved in illegal mining under the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and impose penalties accordingly. “The Nurpur district police have so far registered 13 FIRs against offenders indulging in illegal mining activities this year. Sixty vehicles and machinery used in illegal mining activities have been seized. Besides, the police have issued 734 challans for illegal mining and realised a fine of

Rs 87.65 lakh from violators till November 25 this year,” he said. The SP said the police would trace the actual owners of the seized machinery and take action against them.