Rupnagar: 5 arrested, 5 vehicles, machines seized in anti-illegal mining operation
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 11, 2026: Five persons were arrested and five vehicles and machines seized during a night operation against alleged illegal mining in the Chamkaur Sahib area of Punjab’s Rupnagar district, Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said on Sunday.
The joint operation was conducted by mining officials and police as part of the state government’s enforcement drive against illegal mining. The seized equipment included three excavators and backhoe loaders, along with two tippers.
The five arrested persons have been identified as Ravi Kumar of Bela, Chamkaur Sahib; Ashwani Kumar of Tonsa, Kathgarh, in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district; Jaspal Singh of Aima, Kathgarh; Ashwani Kumar of Bama, Chamkaur Sahib; and Harjinder Singh of Lakhowal, Chamkaur Sahib, all in Punjab.
A case was registered at Sri Chamkaur Sahib police station under Sections 4(1) and 21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, following a complaint by a Junior Engineer-cum-Mining Inspector.
The seized equipment included a JCB 215 excavator, a JCB JS-140 excavator, a JCB backhoe loader, a BharatBenz tipper bearing registration number PB12-T-2687 and a Tata tipper bearing registration number PB07-AL-8405.
Goyal said the Bhagwant Mann-led government was committed to ensuring a lawful and transparent supply of minerals across Punjab. He added that the government would take strict action against illegal mining to protect natural resources and prevent losses to the public exchequer.
The minister said enforcement teams had been directed to maintain vigilance and ensure compliance with mining regulations while facilitating the legitimate supply of minerals to meet public needs.