In a decisive move against the plunder of natural resources, the Mohali police launched a massive, coordinated crackdown on illegal mining activities across the district. The high-intensity operation, which spanned the late hours of December 26 and continued into the early morning of December 27, resulted in significant enforcement action, marking a stern stance by the authorities.
Major Overnight Raid Nets Accused and Machinery
The enforcement drive was not a routine check but a meticulously planned strike. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, multiple police teams simultaneously raided various locations known for unauthorized extraction and transportation of mining material. The hotspots under the jurisdictions of Sohana, Majri, and Derabassi police stations were the primary focus of this sweeping action.
The scale of the operation was substantial, involving a large contingent of officers to ensure its success. The crackdown was personally overseen by SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans and executed by a force that included three Superintendents of Police (SPs), four Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), seven Station House Officers (SHOs), and approximately 250 police personnel.
Significant Haul of Equipment and Legal Action
The raid yielded immediate and tangible results. Police successfully seized a considerable amount of equipment used in the illegal operations. The confiscated items include:
- One JCB machine
- 14 loaded tippers
- Two tractor-trolleys
Furthermore, illegally mined material recovered from various dumping sites was promptly assessed by officials from the geology and mining department to determine the extent of the violation and the value of the stolen resources.
On the legal front, the police have registered a robust 20 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the night's events. Fifteen accused individuals were arrested on the spot, facing charges related to the unlawful excavation and transport. In a move to widen the net and tackle the entire chain, the police have also issued formal notices to crusher owners and other suspects believed to be involved in facilitating the illegal trade.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Environmental Damage
Reiterating the department's firm stance, SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans emphasized the district police's zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining. He stated that such activities not only rob the state of its valuable natural resources but also cause irreversible environmental damage, affecting land stability, water tables, and local ecosystems.
The SSP vowed that the crackdown is not a one-off event but part of a sustained action plan to protect Punjab's natural heritage. The message from the police is clear: stringent and continuous enforcement actions will be taken against anyone involved in unauthorized mining, and the drive will persist to deter future violations.
