RNS: In a coordinated operation spanning Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Bihar, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) exposed an extensive illegal stone mining network, valued at approximately Rs. 1000 Crore. On January 3, 2024, the ED conducted searches under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), seizing Rs. 36.99 lakhs in cash, digital devices, and documents. Shockingly, Rs. 7.25 lakh was found at the camp office of Sahibganj District Collector Ram Niwas Yadav.
During the operation, ammunition and empty pistol cases were discovered at Yadav’s residence. The ED also uncovered 30 frozen Benami bank accounts linked to the illegal mining operations. Joint inspections with various government departments exposed extensive unlawful mining, resulting in the excavation of over 23.26 crore cubic feet of stone, worth Rs. 1250 crore.
Pankaj Mishra, arrested on July 19, 2022, was identified as the mastermind behind the illegal mining activities. This operation follows a previous crackdown by the ED involving 51 searches and 08 arrests related to illegal stone mining in Jharkhand.
Individuals, including Abhishek alias “Pintu,” Ram Niwas Yadav, and Rajendra Dubey, are under investigation for their involvement in the unlawful stone mining operations in Sahibganj. Several individuals, including Bishnu Yadav, Pavitra Yadav, and Pankaj Mishra, face charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Arms Act, and JMMC Rules, 2004. The case was initially reported at the SC/ST Police Station in Sahibganj and later taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following an order from the Jharkhand High Court.
This operation is a significant step towards eradicating illegal mining activities and ensuring environmental protection in the region, with authorities committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
