ED Initiates Prosecution for Illegal Mining in Himachal and UP
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Synopsis
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint regarding illegal mining operations concerning the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh and the Yamuna River in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, involving Gian Chand and others.
Key Takeaways
- ED files prosecution complaint in illegal mining case.
- Involves illegal activities on Beas and Yamuna rivers.
- Gian Chand and seven others are accused.
- Investigation based on multiple FIRs in Himachal Pradesh.
- Assets worth Rs 4.9 crore attached.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) announced on Thursday that it has submitted a prosecution complaint regarding illegal mining activities related to the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh and the Yamuna River in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Gian Chand along with seven others has been named as defendants in the prosecution complaint presented before the Special Court (PMLA) in Ghaziabad. The court acknowledged the prosecution complaint on January 17.
The investigation commenced based on official complaints and intelligence reports that alleged illicit sand and mineral extraction activities on the riverbed of the Beas River conducted by several mining syndicates, including Gian Chand. Reports suggest that these illegal mining operations have generated proceeds of crime amounting to hundreds of crores.
The ED launched an inquiry following six first information reports (FIRs) filed by various police stations in the districts of Kangra and Una in Himachal Pradesh concerning unlawful mining practices.
According to the FIRs, there are allegations of illegal mining occurring on government land, with vehicles such as tippers, poclains, JCBs, and tractors actively involved in unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals to stone crushers.
Additionally, another FIR, dated November 1, 2024, was registered by the Behat police station in Saharanpur against Gian Chand and others.
For a thorough investigation, another FIR from the UP Police has also been included in this case, as stated by the ED.
Previously, the ED apprehended Gian Chand and his associate Sanjay Kumar on November 18, 2024.
Further inquiries by the ED have led to the attachment of assets valued at approximately Rs 4.9 crore. Throughout the investigation, 12 searches have been executed at the residences of various mining mafias, including Gian Chand and his associates, in Himachal Pradesh and Saharanpur, with multiple statements recorded.
Upon examining the incriminating evidence collected, it was determined that Gian Chand and his associates are engaged in illegal mining operations spanning the Beas and Yamuna rivers.
