States » NorthPosted at: Oct 24 2026 9:52PM


Punjab: One arrested, excavator & tipper seized in illegal mining raid

Chandigarh, Oct 24 (UNI) Punjab's Mining Department has arrested one person and seized an excavator and a tipper truck in a late-night raid targeting suspected illegal mineral extraction at Bhallan village in Nangal tehsil of Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mines and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said today.
The operation was conducted in the intervening night of October 23 and 24 following information about suspected unauthorised mining involving heavy machinery.
Department officials seized a Poklain excavator and a tipper allegedly being used to extract and transport minerals without the required authorisation.
A case has been registered under Sections 4(1) and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, officials said.
Section 4(1) deals with mining operations undertaken without the required authorisation, while Section 21 provides penalties for violations of the Act.
Goyal said the operation was part of an intensified enforcement campaign against illegal mining activities in Punjab.
"The Mines and Geology Department will continue its enforcement efforts against illegal mining and take action wherever violations are detected, with the objective of safeguarding mineral resources and preventing unauthorised mining activities across Punjab," he said.
The minister said the department was maintaining surveillance of areas vulnerable to unauthorised mineral extraction and would take action against those found violating mining regulations.
He said the raid had been conducted specifically to prevent illegal excavation and the unauthorised deployment of heavy machinery.
The seized equipment will form part of the investigation, while further legal proceedings will be undertaken in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions.
Officials are expected to examine the ownership of the seized machinery, the authorisation for mining at the location and the extent of any suspected illegal extraction.
Illegal mining remains a regulatory concern in Punjab, particularly in areas where sand, gravel and other minerals are extracted for construction-related activities.
Unauthorised extraction can affect riverbeds, surrounding land and local infrastructure, besides causing potential revenue losses to the government.
The department has not disclosed the identity of the arrested person, the estimated quantity of minerals allegedly extracted or the financial value of the seized equipment.
It also did not specify whether other individuals were being investigated in connection with the operation.
Goyal said the state government remained committed to ensuring that mining activities were conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
The latest operation reflects the department's emphasis on seizing machinery allegedly used in illegal extraction alongside initiating criminal proceedings.
Further investigation will determine the role of the arrested person and whether additional individuals or violations were involved.
The department said enforcement teams would continue inspecting vulnerable areas and taking action wherever unauthorised mining was detected.
UNI NB SS
Tags: #Punjab: One arrested# excavator & tipper seized in illegal mining raid
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