New Delhi:
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a charge sheet against Gian Chand and 7 other people in the case related to illegal mining in the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh and Yamuna River in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. This chargeJit was filed in Special PMLA Court, Ghaziabad, which took cognizance of this on 17 January 2025.
How was the case registered?
The case was registered on the basis of complaints and intelligence received regarding illegal sand and mineral mining on the river bank of Beas river and Yamuna river. The ED started its investigation on the basis of FIR lodged by several police stations in Kangra and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh. These FIRs have alleged that illegal mining activities were taking place on government land, where vehicles like tipper, Poklen, JCB and tractor were found involved in illegal mining. Illegal extracted minerals were being transported to stone crushers through these vehicles.
Apart from this, another FIR was registered on 1 November 2024 in Behat police station, Saharanpur of UP Police, in which a case was filed against Gian Chand and others. Another FIR of UP Police in this case has also been included in the scope of investigation.
Arrest and property attachment
Earlier, on 18 November 2024, ED arrested Gian Chand and his partner Sanjay Kumar alias Sanjay Dhiman. During the investigation, the ED attached assets worth about Rs 4.9 crore on 3 January 2025.
What did you get in the investigation?
During the investigation, the ED conducted raids at 12 places, including the hideouts of Gian Chand and his colleagues. Many objectionable documents and evidence were found in the raids, which made it clear that Gian Chand and his gang illegally mined from Beas River to Yamuna River. According to the ED, the money received from illegal mining was used to buy land, mining machinery (such as truck, tipper, JCB, crusher etc.).
What will happen next?
Now that the PMLA court has taken cognizance in this case, strict action is likely to be taken against Gian Chand and other accused in further hearing. The ED is investigating the case further deeply and can also identify other involved people.
