Chandigarh: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested a contractor involved in illegal mining activities in Ferozepur district between 2018 and 2019, allegedly in collusion with officials and employees of the state mining department.

The accused was identified as Mahavir Singh of Primevision Company, according to a VB spokesperson.

A complaint was also filed against the then officials, employees of the mines department, for conspiracy and corruption.

According to VB spokesperson, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under sections 409, 379, 120-B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals Act, besides Sections 13(1)(A) read with Section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Vigilance Bureau Police Station, Ferozepur Range on November 4.

The spokesperson said the contractor carried out illegal mining activities in connivance with the then state mining department officials, employees of Tindwan, Roshan Shah Wala and Bahik Gujjran villages in Zira tehsil of Ferozepur district by misleading the landowners that he had a valid mining contract from the Punjab government. This resulted in a financial loss of approximately ₹4,05,60,785 to the state exchequer and no dues have been paid to the affected landowners, the VB spokesperson said.

Instead of taking punitive action against the accused Mahavir Singh, the concerned officials of the mines department lodged an FIR on July 25, 2020 at Sadar police station, Zira, under sections 379 of the IPC and 21 of the Mines and Minerals Act against unidentified persons. and issued reclamation notices to landowners.

Similarly, in the villages of Gillanwala, Ansal, Khane Ke Ahl and Khushal Singh Wala, the contractor indulged in illegal mining activities on land covering 244 kanals and 446 kanals 13 marlas with the connivance of the authorities, which resulted in an additional financial loss of ₹31,48,63,994 to the government, again without any royalty paid to the affected landowners.

The spokesperson said that based on the investigation, Mahavir Singh in collusion with district officials and employees of Ferozepur mining department caused a total financial loss of ₹35,54,24,779 to the National Treasury.

During the investigation, it was found that although many cases related to illegal mining were registered by the district mining officials at various police stations during this period, no legal action was taken. had been brought against the contractor.