What Actions Did the ED Take in the Illegal Syndicate Mining Case?
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has made significant strides in an illegal mining case, seizing properties and uncovering extensive financial fraud. With a focus on accountability, their actions highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in the mining sector. Discover the details of this high-profile investigation.
Key Takeaways
- ED's seizure of 44 properties highlights serious illegal mining activities.
- Illegal mining profits estimated at over Rs. 300 crore.
- Investigations reveal extensive use of cash in transactions.
- Involvement of multiple companies indicates a broader issue in the mining sector.
- Ongoing investigations and prosecutions demonstrate commitment to accountability.
New Delhi, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in Gurugram has seized 44 immovable properties encompassing over 85 acres of agricultural land, valued at approximately Rs. 30 crore, located in Ludhiana, Roop Nagar, SAS Nagar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, among other districts in Punjab. These properties belong to Kuldeep Singh Makkar, Angad Singh Makkar, Puneet Singh Makkar, and their associated business entities involved in an illegal syndicate mining operation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED initiated the investigation based on multiple FIRs lodged by the Haryana Police, citing various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, concerning illegal mining activities involving sand, boulder-gravel, and other materials in District Yamuna Nagar. The implicated mining companies include M/s Mubarikpur Royalty Company, M/s Development Strategies (India) Pvt Ltd, M/s Delhi Royalty Company, M/s JSM Foods Pvt Ltd, and M/s PS Buildtech, along with several associated Screening Plants & Stone Crushers.
According to the ED, the total estimated Proceeds of Crime (PoC) generated from these illegal operations exceeds Rs. 300 crore, with Angad Singh Makkar and his family reportedly accounting for over Rs. 110 crore of that amount.
The investigation revealed that the Mubarikpur Royalty Company and its syndicate members conducted mining on unauthorized lands and exceeded permissible limits, often generating fake e-Rawanas. The sale proceeds from all mining activities were predominantly received in cash, which was systematically distributed among the syndicate members.
Previously, the ED executed a search operation and arrested Dilbag Singh, Kulwinder Singh, Surender Panwar, and Angad Singh Makkar under section 19 of the PMLA, 2002. They provisionally attached assets valued at approximately Rs. 122 crore belonging to Dilbag Singh and his associates, which was later validated by the Ld. Adjudicating Authority.
Incriminating evidence collected during the search indicated that individuals involved in syndicate mining were receiving substantial cash from these operations. These findings were corroborated by statements from employees, leading to further investigation into the laundering of funds by this syndicate.
A Prosecution Complaint has been filed with the Special Court in Ambala, which has taken cognizance of the case, and ongoing investigations are in progress.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the importance of rigorous enforcement against illegal mining activities. This case underscores our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring environmental protection. The ED's actions reflect a determined stance against corruption, and we stand firmly in support of transparency and justice.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the ED's investigation into the mining companies?
The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed by the Haryana Police addressing illegal mining activities under various sections of the IPC and the Environment Protection Act.
How much money is estimated to be involved in this illegal mining case?
The total Proceeds of Crime (PoC) from the illegal mining activities are estimated to exceed Rs. 300 crore.
What types of mining activities were being conducted illegally?
The illegal activities included mining of sand, boulder-gravel, and other materials beyond permissible limits.
What has been done with the properties attached by the ED?
The ED has provisionally attached 44 properties, including agricultural lands, which are now under investigation.
What are the next steps in this case?
Further investigations are ongoing, and a Prosecution Complaint has been filed in the Special Court, which has taken cognizance of the matter.
