Vigilance Bureau nabs contractor involved in illegal mining

The Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a contractor identified as Mahavir Singh for his alleged involvement in illegal mining in Ferozepur district from 2018 to 2019 in connivance with mining officials.

The VB officials said the accused deceived landowners and did illegal mining at Tindwan, Roshan Shah Wala and Bahek Gujjran villages in Zira by claiming that he had a valid mining contract.

“This caused a financial loss of Rs 4,05,60,785 to the state exchequer. No royalty was paid to the concerned landowners. Instead of taking punitive action against Mahavir, officials concerned got filed FIR under Section 379 of the IPC and Section 21 of the Mining and Minerals Act against unidentified persons. Later, they issued recovery notices to landowners concerned,” said the VB officials.

They said Mahavir was also involved in illegal mining in Gillanwala, Ansal, Khane Ke Ahl and Khushal Singh Wala villages, adjacent to approved quarries in Ferozepur. Thus, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 31,48,63,994.

The VB officials added that Mahavir in connivance with officials of the Ferozepur Mining Department had caused a total loss of Rs 35,54,24,779 to the state exchequer.

“During the probe, we found that numerous cases related to illegal mining were registered by the mining officials, but no legal action was taken against Mahavir of Primevision firm,” stated the VB officials.

A case has been registered under Sections 409, 379 and 120-B of the IPC and Section 21 of the Mining and Minerals Act, as well as Sections 13(1)(A) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the Mahavir and officials of the Mining Department.