Sudhanshu sharma
Nurpur
Under the ongoing special drive against illegal mining, a joint team of Nurpur Police District and the Mining Department carried out a significant operation in the Beas River’s Rey Pattan area, seizing a Kobelco 220 Poclain (Excavator) used for illegal extraction.
During midnight patrolling on July 10–11, the team comprising SDPO Jawali, QRT personnel, and mining officials spotted the excavator engaged in illegal mining near M/s Bharat Stone Crusher. A JCB and a tipper also attempted to enter the riverbed. On being intercepted, the drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene.
Later, the owners of the JCB and tipper arrived and were penalized by the Mining Department under compounding provisions. However, no one came forward to claim ownership of the excavator, which was subsequently seized and brought to Fatehpur Police Station.
Based on a complaint filed by Mining Inspector Vinay Kumar, FIR No. 76/2026 was registered at Fatehpur Police Station under Sections 329(3) and 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against unidentified persons. The investigation is ongoing.
Nurpur Police reiterated its commitment to continue strict action against illegal mining and appealed to citizens to immediately report any such unlawful activities.
