FEROZEPUR, November 9, 2024 — The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has arrested Mahaveer Singh, a contractor from Rajasthan’s Primevision Company, in connection with an illegal mining operation in Ferozepur.
According to officials, Singh allegedly collaborated with Mining Department employees to conduct unauthorized mining activities in several villages between 2018 and 2019.
The Vigilance Bureau has also filed charges of conspiracy and corruption against the former officials and employees of the Mining Department involved.
Following a thorough investigation into complaint number 180/2019, an FIR (case number 30 dated November 4, 2024) was registered at the Vigilance Bureau Range Ferozepur.
The charges include sections 409, 379, and 120-B of the IPC, alongside provisions of the Mining and Mineral Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators revealed that Singh, in connivance with Mining Department officials, illegally acquired 217 kanals and 1 marla of land in Tindwan, Roshan Shah Wala, and Bahik Gujjars villages.
He falsely claimed to landowners that he held a legitimate mining contract from the Punjab government.
As a result, unauthorized mining activities ensued, causing a financial loss of over Rs 4 crore to the state treasury, while landowners did not receive their due royalties.
Instead of prosecuting Singh, Mining Department officials registered a case against unidentified individuals under IPC Section 379 and Section 21 of the Mining Act on July 25, 2020, at Thana Sadar Zira in District Ferozepur. Recovery notices were issued to landowners rather than holding the contractor accountable.
The Vigilance Bureau further uncovered that Singh, with departmental collusion, illegally mined on an additional 244 kanals and 446 kanals and 13 marlas of land in the villages of Gillanwala, Ansal, Khanke Ahil, and Khushal Singhwala in Tehsil Ferozepur. This led to an estimated financial loss of Rs 31.48 crore to the state.
The company also failed to pay the landowners their entitled royalties.
Despite multiple complaints and registered cases of illegal mining by Mining Department officials in various police stations, no substantial legal action was taken against Singh or Primevision Company. The Vigilance Bureau noted that the scale of illegal mining in the area would not have been possible without the active involvement of the department’s officials.
The case has now exposed a nexus between Mahaveer Singh and the Mining Department employees during that period, prompting further investigation.
Singh is set to be presented in the local court tomorrow as the probe continues.
