Row as AAP MLA’s brother ‘raids’ illegal quarry in Punjab's Fazilka
Praful Chander Nagpal
Fazilka, April 16
A row has erupted over an alleged raid conducted by Fazilka MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna’s brother Karmjeet Singh Sawna at an illegal quarry at Sureshwala village in the district.
Karmjeet along with policemen allegedly conducted the raid and a sand-laden tractor-trailer was confiscated and three persons booked.
In a purported video, Karmjeet is heard saying that accused allegedly managed to flee before the police could reach the quarry. “They left behind a sand-laden tractor-trailer, which was stuck in the mud.” He alleged that the sand mafia had dug up to 35 to 40-ft deep, violating the norms. Sources said illegal mining was being carried out on about 2 acres.
He only guided the police
I informed the police twice about the quarry but they failed to locate it. I then asked my brother to take the police to the site… The police raided the quarry and my brother only guided them. —Narinderpal Sawna, fazilka mla
LANDOWNER AMONG 3 BOOKED
No illegal mining was taking place when the MLA’s brother and cops visited the site… Landowner Baljit Singh, tractor driver Gurjant Singh and another person have been booked under the Mining Act. —Gurwinder Singh, SHO
Condemning the alleged raid, Congress ex-MLA Davinder Singh Ghubaya said the ruling party leaders were taking law in their own hands. He said instead the government should tighten the noose around the Mining Department officials and the police to tackle the menace with an iron hand. He demanded the government it should come out with a concrete policy against the black trading of white sand.
Meanwhile, Fazilka Sadar police station SHO Gurwinder Singh said when the policemen accompanied Karamjeet to the site, they noticed a person filling the earth where the alleged illegal mining took place earlier. He, however, claimed that no illegal mining was taking place when the MLA’s brother and the policemen visited the site. The SHO said later, senior police officers also visited the quarry.
