Opposition BJP warns of protests if stricter action not taken under NGT regulations
The Himachal Pradesh Police have taken significant action against a prominent politician, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (CPS) Ram Kumar Chaudhary, from the ruling Congress in connection with an illegal mining case in Baddi.
No only were a tipper and a Poclain machine registered in the name of Ram Kumar’s wife seized, a penalty of Rs 75,000 was also recovered before their release. The police are now investigating whether the illegal mining was conducted on government or private land. Should the land be confirmed as government property, further charges will be filed for violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) regulations.
The incident came to light when, on Sunday, the police discovered the Poclain and tipper being used for alleged illegal mining near Malpur village. The discovery followed protests from Malpur residents on Saturday evening against the illegal mining on government land, which prompted them to alert the authorities. By the time the police arrived at the scene, only one tipper and the Poclain were found as other vehicles had already departed. The drivers of the vehicles fled upon seeing the police.
“We have collected a fine of Rs 75,000 for the vehicles involved and are currently investigating the ownership of the land in question based on NGT standards,” stated Ashok Verma, Additional Superintendent of Police, Baddi.
Ram Kumar, an MLA from Doon in Solan district, meanwhile, has denied all allegations of illegal mining, claiming his business was legitimate, with land leased and royalties duly paid to the government. He has accused a local resident, Krishan Kumar of Malpur, of being behind the conspiracy and defaming him out of frustration due to his own failed industrial ventures. Ram Kumar has threatened to file a defamation case against Krishan Kumar.
At a press conference on Monday, BJP district secretary Gurmel Chaudhary alleged that the family of Ram Kumar had been involved in illegal mining for decades, enjoying government support and preferential treatment from officials.
He demanded that the material at Ram Kumar’s crushers be investigated and accused the Congress government of shielding its leaders while marginalising the common people. Former Doon MLA Paramjit Singh Pammi demanded that the police should issue challans under NGT regulations. He warned that if action was not taken, protests would follow.
