ED Investigates Illegal Mining in Haryana and Delhi
Key Figures and Seizures
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted search operations across multiple locations in Haryana and Delhi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an illegal mining case.
The searches targeted the premises of partners and associates of M/s Govardhan Mines and Minerals, including Ravita, Pankaj Singh, Jagat Singh, Sanjay Gupta, Sombir Singh, and Naveen Kumar.
During the operations, various incriminating documents, digital devices, a luxury car worth Rs 1.50 crore, and cash worth Rs 5 lakh were seized. Additionally, a bank account with Rs 41 lakh was frozen.
The investigation was initiated based on a complaint by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, alleging violations of Environment Clearance conditions by M/s Govardhan Mines and Minerals. An FIR was also registered by the Haryana Police.
The ED found that the firm was involved in large-scale illegal and unscientific mining in the Dadam area of Haryana, causing environmental damage and financial loss. The unscientific mining led to slope instabilities, resulting in the death of five people.
Vedpal Singh Tanwar, a key managerial person, was identified as acquiring mining rights illegally and conducting mining beyond permissible limits. Proceeds of Crime amounting to Rs 56 crore were generated from the illegal mining.
Earlier searches on August 3, 2023, led to the seizure of documents, jewellery worth Rs 3.7 crore, cash of Rs 26.45 lakh, and a car worth Rs 1 crore. Tanwar was arrested on May 30 and is currently in judicial custody. Further investigations are ongoing.
