North News
Chandigarh, November 9
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Mahavir Singh, a contractor with Primevision, for alleged involvement in illegal mining in Ferozepur district between 2018 and 2019. Mahavir is accused of colluding with Mining Department officials, causing a loss of Rs 35 crore to the state exchequer. Following an investigation, FIR No. 30 was registered on November 4 under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Mining and Minerals Act, as well as sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, naming Mahavir Singh and then-officials of the Mining Department as accused.
According to the VB, Mahavir Singh carried out unauthorised mining operations in villages Tindwan, Roshan Shah Wala, and Bahik Gujjran in Zira Tehsil, misleading landowners by claiming he had a valid government contract. This resulted in losses of approximately Rs 4 crore and no royalty payments to landowners. The VB found that Mining Department officials previously attempted to deflect responsibility by filing an FIR against unidentified individuals and issuing recovery notices to landowners.
In another instance, Mahavir reportedly conducted illegal mining on 244 kanals and 446 kanals in Ferozepur Tehsil, resulting in an additional loss of Rs 31 crore, again without royalty payments. The VB stated that without the collusion of district Mining Department officials, such extensive illegal operations would not have been possible. The contractor, Mahavir Singh, is now in custody and will be presented in court, while further investigations continue.
