The Rajasthan Mines Department has initiated action against a sand mining lease linked to absconding paper leak accused Suresh Dhaka after a surprise inspection at a site in Mesiya village, Beawar district, allegedly uncovered multiple violations — including illegal excavation, missing boundary markers, and the unauthorised extraction of an estimated 89,014 tonnes of sand. A show-cause notice has been issued to the leaseholder, with the ₹20 crore mining lease facing cancellation if a satisfactory response is not forthcoming.

What the Inspection Found

A joint team from the department's vigilance wing and local mining officials conducted the surprise inspection at the mining site in Mesiya village under Raipur tehsil in Beawar district, following complaints of alleged violations. Inspectors found water accumulated in five mining pits, raising safety compliance concerns. Mandatory boundary pillars demarcating the lease area were reportedly missing, heightening the risk of extraction beyond authorised limits.

The team further alleged that excavation had been carried out well beyond the permitted depth of 1.5 metres, in violation of environmental norms designed to protect river ecosystems. A technical assessment by the department estimated that 89,014 tonnes of sand had been extracted in breach of mining rules.

Show-Cause Notice and Cancellation Warning

Following the inspection findings, the Mines Department issued a show-cause notice to the company operating the lease through the Assistant Mining Engineer's office in Jaitaran. Officials stated that proceedings to cancel the lease would be initiated if the company fails to provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated timeframe. The notice marks a significant escalation in scrutiny of a project that has drawn controversy since its inception.

The Dhaka Connection

The mining lease is central to the controversy because it was awarded to Dhaka Construction, a firm owned by Mangilal Dhaka, father of absconding paper leak accused Suresh Dhaka. The lease was allotted through an e-tender floated in 2024, after the firm emerged as the highest bidder with an offer of approximately ₹20 crore. Mining approval for the five-year lease was granted in December 2025, and commercial operations reportedly commenced about two months ago.

Suresh Dhaka is a key accused in several Rajasthan recruitment examination paper leak cases, including those related to senior teacher and sub-inspector recruitment examinations. He has been absconding for several years.

SOG Probe and Hawala Angle

The Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group (SOG), which is investigating the paper leak cases, is also examining the mining lease. Investigators reportedly suspect that the investment in the mining project may be linked to proceeds allegedly generated through the paper leak network and routed via an illegal hawala network. The investigation into these financial transactions is described as ongoing.

Local Opposition and What Comes Next

Residents of Mesiya village and several neighbouring villages have opposed the mining project since its inception, alleging it could damage local water resources and the surrounding environment. Despite these objections, the lease was granted. With the Mines Department now on record documenting multiple alleged violations, pressure on the leaseholder has mounted considerably. Officials have warned that strict action, including lease cancellation in accordance with the law, will follow if the company cannot satisfactorily explain the irregularities.