Chandigarh, October 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, with a joint team of mining officials and police arresting five persons and seizing five vehicles and machines during a night operation in the Chamkaur Sahib area of Rupnagar district.
Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said the action was part of the ongoing enforcement drive under the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to curb illegal mining and ensure strict compliance with mining regulations.
The operation resulted in the seizure of three excavators, including backhoe loaders, and two tippers. The action was taken in connection with a case registered at Sri Chamkaur Sahib Police Station.
The five arrested accused have been identified as Ravi Kumar of Bela in Chamkaur Sahib, Rupnagar; Ashwani Kumar of Tonsa, Kathgarh, SBS Nagar; Jaspal Singh of Aima, Kathgarh, SBS Nagar; Ashwani Kumar of Bama in Chamkaur Sahib, Rupnagar; and Harjinder Singh of Lakhowal in Chamkaur Sahib, Rupnagar district.
The case was registered under Sections 4(1) and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, following a complaint lodged by a Junior Engineer-cum-Mining Inspector.
The seized machinery and vehicles include a JCB 215 excavator bearing PIN No. PUNJD21ATM3033117, a JCB JS-140 excavator bearing PIN No. PUNJD14BA0243952, with its number plate missing, and a JCB backhoe loader bearing PIN No. HAR3DX4403070388.
The two seized tippers are a BharatBenz vehicle bearing registration number PB12-T-2687 and a Tata vehicle bearing registration number PB07-AL-8405.
Goyal reiterated that the Mann government was committed to ensuring a lawful, transparent and uninterrupted supply of minerals to the people of Punjab.
He said the government would not allow illegal mining to deplete the state’s natural resources or cause losses to the public exchequer. Enforcement agencies have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and take firm action against violations while ensuring that the legitimate supply of minerals continues to meet public demand, he added.
The Mining and Geology Minister said the government would sustain its statewide crackdown on illegal mining and ensure strict adherence to the law.
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