Press Release
30.01.2025
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Headquarters Office has filed the Prosecution Complaint (PC)
in the matter of illegal mining case pertaining to Beas River, Himachal Pradesh and Yamuna River,
Saharanpur (UP). Gian Chand and other 7 persons have been arraigned as accused in the
Prosecution Complaint filed before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Ghaziabad. The Hon’ble Court
has also taken the cognizance of the Prosecution Complaint filed by ED on 17.01.2025.
The case was initiated on the basis of formal complaints and intelligence inputs alleging illegal
sand and mineral mining operations on the river bed of the Beas river by several mining mafias including
Gian Chand and Proceeds of Crime (POC) to the tune of hundreds of Crore have been generated
through these illegal mining operations. ED initiat ed investigation on the basis of Si x FIRs registered
by different Police S tations in the districts of Kangra and Una in Himachal Pradesh relating to illegal
mining. As per the FIRs, it has been alleged that illegal mining activities are taking place on government
land and tippers, poclains, JCBs and tractors are actively engaged in illegal mining in Una & Kangra
Districts of Himachal Pradesh. These vehicles were involved in illegally extracting minerals and
consequently unlawfully transporting these minerals to stone crushers by overloaded vehicles. Another
FIR dated 01.11.2024 has also been registered by Behat Police Station, Saharanpur against Gian
Chand and others under sections of IPC, 1860, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and
Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 (as amended). In order to conduct the
comprehensive investigation, another FIR of UP Police has also been taken into the ambit of
investigation in this case.
Earlier, ED had arrested Gian Chand and his accomplice Sanjay Kumar @ Sanjay Dhiman on
18.11.2024. Further investigation by ED has also resulted into the attachment of property to the tune
of Rs. 4.9 Crore (approx.) on 03.01.2025.
During the course of investigation, 12 searches have been conducted on the premises of several
mining mafias including Gian Chand & his associates in Himachal Pradesh and Saharanpur and
statements of several persons have been recorded. On scrutiny of incri minating material seized, it is
found that Gian Chand and his associates are involved in illegal mining operations ranging from Beas
River to Yamuna River. POC generated from the illegal mining have been used in purchasing
immovable properties and mining machineries like trucks, tippers, JCBs, crushers etc.
Further investigation is under progress.
Brief
"On 30/01/2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued an update regarding ED, Headquarters Office has filed the Prosecution Complaint (PC) before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA), Ghaziabad against Gian Chand and other 7 persons in the matter of illegal mining case pertaining to Beas River, Himachal Pradesh and Yamuna River, Saharanpur (UP). The Hon’ble Court has taken the cognizance of the PC on 17.01.2025. This was initiated based on formal complaints and intelligence inputs alleging illegal sand and mineral mining operations." "On further investigation by ED resulted in attachment of property to the tune of Rs. 4.9 Crore (approx.) on 03.01.2025, with 12 searches conducted at premises of several mining mafias including Gian Chand & his associates in Himachal Pradesh and Saharanpur."
Highlights content goes here...
Purpose
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Headquarters Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against Gian Chand and 7 other individuals accused of illegal mining activities along the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh and the Yamuna River in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. This PC is a significant step towards holding these individuals accountable for their alleged crimes.
The ED’s prosecution complaint is based on formal complaints and intelligence inputs that indicate Gian Chand and his associates have been engaged in illegal sand and mineral mining operations on government land. The investigation was initiated after six FIRs were registered by different police stations in Himachal Pradesh, alleging the involvement of tippers, poclains, JCBs, and tractors in these illicit activities.
Effects on Industry
The ED’s prosecution complaint against Gian Chand and his associates may have significant repercussions for the mining industry in India. The allegations of illegal sand and mineral mining operations could lead to a re-evaluation of existing regulations and enforcement mechanisms. This may result in stricter compliance requirements for mining operators, potentially impacting their business models.
Furthermore, the attachment of properties worth Rs. 4.9 Crore (approx.) on January 3, 2025, suggests that the ED is taking concrete steps to freeze assets suspected of being proceeds of crime. This move may deter others from engaging in similar activities and demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating illicit mining.
Relevant Stakeholders
The stakeholders affected by this development include:
- Mining operators: The allegations against Gian Chand and his associates may lead to increased scrutiny and stricter regulations within the industry.
- Government agencies: The ED, police departments in Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, as well as other relevant authorities will be working together to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
- Environment and conservation groups: The illegal mining activities allegedly carried out by Gian Chand and his associates may have had negative environmental impacts on the Beas and Yamuna rivers.
Next Steps
To comply with or respond to this update, the following actions are advised:
- Industry stakeholders: Review existing regulations and compliance requirements to ensure alignment with government standards.
- Government agencies: Continue to collaborate and share information to effectively combat illicit mining activities.
- The public: Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to illegal mining.
Any Other Relevant Information
Additional details that may be helpful to stakeholders include:
- Historical context: The ED’s prosecution complaint is a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issue of illicit mining in India.
- Future actions: Further investigation and prosecution are expected to continue, with potential outcomes including asset seizures and prison sentences for those found guilty.
- Related updates: This development may be followed by additional enforcement actions, regulatory changes, or public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing and addressing illegal mining activities.
