MANDI (Munish Sood)
An investigation by the Himachal Pradesh Police into an attack on Mandi-Sadar SDM Om Kant Thakur during an illegal mining inspection at Bindravani in Mandi has taken a significant turn.
While the authorities have intensified their crackdown on the mining mafia and arrested the main accused, Heera Lal, his wife has now filed a written complaint against the SDM, accusing him of inappropriate behaviour. The police have registered her complaint and are investigating the matter separately.
Attack a planned conspiracy?
The SDM had reached Bindravani around 6.30 pm after receiving inputs on illegal mining activities. As he began questioning Heera Lal, the latter allegedly started abusing and physically assaulting him.
In an apparent attempt to intimidate and trap the IAS officer, Heera Lal reportedly called his wife to the scene and threatened to falsely implicate the SDM in a molestation case.
Before the police arrived, five other suspects fled from the spot, while the main accused landed kicks and punches on SDM Om Kant Thakur. A medical examination later confirmed that the SDM had suffered a broken tooth due to the attack.
Legal action and police investigation
A case was immediately registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for wrongful restraint, assault on a public servant, theft of government property and violations of the Mining Act.
The police arrested Heera Lal and presented him before the court, which sent him to three-day police custody for further interrogation.
Six other suspects, including individuals from Mandi district and Bihar, were also named in the investigation. Among them, the prime suspect responsible for organising illegal mining operations in Beas river was taken into custody late in the evening after intensive questioning.
The police have now issued notices under Section 35(3) of BNSS, ensuring that they remain under legal surveillance as the probe continues.
Mining mafia under pressure after crackdown
In response to the attack on the SDM, the administration and mining department launched an aggressive crackdown on illegal mining operations across multiple regions, including Mandi, Pandoh, Thunag, Dharampur, Balh and Sundernagar.
Several unauthorised routes leading to riverbeds and streams were sealed off to curb further illegal activities.
Wife of accused files complaint against SDM
Amidst the ongoing investigation, the wife of Heera Lal has filed a written complaint against SDM Om Kant Thakur, alleging inappropriate behaviour and misconduct.
Her complaint has been registered at the women’s police station and authorities are now looking into the allegations. However, officials suspect that this counter-complaint is a deliberate attempt to deflect legal pressure from the accused, especially considering the circumstances in which she was called to the scene during the altercation.
