ED arrests former Pathankot ADC, businessman in illegal mining case, Rs 1.75 crore cash seized; AAP Minister Kataruchaks role under scanner
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Amritsar Vigilance Bureau on August 9, 2023.
PTC News Desk: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Pathankot Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kuldeep Singh and mining businessman Nipun Mahajan in connection with an alleged illegal mining and land transfer case.
Both accused were produced before the Special PMLA Court in Jalandhar and sent to ED custody until November 16.
They are accused of illegally transferring 92 acres of shamlat (common village) land along the Ravi River near the international border in Pathankot and subsequently carrying out illegal mining on the land.
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Amritsar Vigilance Bureau on August 9, 2023. According to the agency, the alleged illegal activities caused losses of around ₹367 crore.
During searches, the agency seized cash worth approximately ₹1.75 crore and froze 31 bank accounts.
Satellite images reveal illegal mining
The ED compared satellite images from April 2021, April 2022 and November 2023 of areas around villages Bhattian and Chak Koshaliyan.
According to the agency, the images showed significant changes in the number and size of excavation pits, indicating continued mining activity in the area.
The ED stated that heavy machinery had been used for excavation despite the Punjab Government not issuing any mining lease for these locations. The satellite images reportedly point to the continued presence of unauthorised mining in Pathankot.
Illegal mining worth an estimated Rs 367.5 Crore
During the investigation, the ED also recovered several allegedly incriminating documents.
According to the agency, illegal excavation of approximately 50.74 lakh cubic feet was detected, with an estimated value of ₹11.16 crore. A total of 27 illegal mining pits were identified at seven selected locations.
The agency further estimated that the total excavation volume in the case was around 16.70 crore cubic feet, valued at approximately ₹367.5 crore.
ED examines role of Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak
The ED has also highlighted the alleged role of Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak in the case.
According to the agency, Kuldeep Singh admitted to issuing an order on February 27, 2023, in favour of private claimants. The order was issued just one day before his retirement.
The ED stated that Kuldeep Singh served as ADC (Rural Development) of Pathankot from February 24 to February 28, 2023.
The agency has alleged that Lal Chand Kataruchak, who was then the Food and Civil Supplies and Forests Minister, wrote to the Rural Development and Panchayats Minister on February 23, 2023, recommending Kuldeep Singh's appointment to the post.
Background of the case
On July 16, the ED conducted searches at 16 locations in connection with the Vigilance Bureau case registered in 2023 against Kuldeep Singh and eight others.
During the investigation, the agency reportedly found that illegal mining was being carried out on shamlat land belonging to the Gram Panchayat Gol in Bhattian village of Pathankot district.
The ED seized approximately ₹1.75 crore during its searches and froze funds worth ₹91.34 lakh in 31 bank accounts. The case dates back to August 9, 2023, when the Vigilance Bureau registered an FIR against Kuldeep Singh and eight others.
According to the allegations, shortly before his retirement, Kuldeep Singh transferred 734 kanals and one marla of shamlat land, measuring approximately 92 acres, into the names of private individuals