THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 5: Ahead of the assembly elections in Jharkhand, the CBI is conducting searches at approximately 20 locations across three states as part of an ongoing investigation into organized illegal stone mining in Jharkhand. The search sites include three locations in Ranchi, one in Gumla, and 13 in Sahebganj, as well as two locations in Kolkata, West Bengal, and one in Patna, Bihar.
“Searches have led to recoveries of over Rs. 60 lakh cash, Gold over 1 kg, 1.2 kg Silver, Gold ornaments, mobiles, 61 Live Cartridges (9mm), Sale deeds related to properties, documents related to investments & Shell companies, agreement papers and other incriminating documents, so far,” CBI said in a press release.
The CBI registered this case on November 20, 2023, following directions from the Jharkhand High Court at Ranchi in an order dated August 18, 2023. Charges include sections 120B read with 34, 379, 323, 500, 504, and 506 of the IPC; section 27 of the Arms Act; section 3(1)(5) of the SC/ST Act; and section 4/54 of the Jharkhand Mines and Minerals Concession Rules, 2004.
“Investigation revealed that large scale illegal mining activities in Sahebganj district allegedly caused substantial losses to the government, primarily through unpaid royalties and the violation of mining laws” the CBI release read.
“Field investigations suggest that key individuals and entities were allegedly involved in this operation using multiple methods to conceal their activities and divert illicitly obtained resources/money. Initial investigation gathered evidences which revealed involvement and nexus of key individuals and firms to carry out the illegal mining activity and conceal the proceeds thus obtained,” added the release.
Also Read- Jharkhand BJP expels 30 rebels
The individuals raided by CBI
The CBI conducted raids at locations connected to several individuals involved in the illegal mining case. In Ranchi, the team raided premises linked to Prem Prakash and CA Jaipuriar, while in Rajmahal, they searched locations associated with Mehtab Alam.
In Sahibganj, raids were carried out at sites linked to Ranjan Verma, Sanjay Jaiswal, Subrato Pal, Tinkle Bhagat, Awadh Kishore Singh, Bhagwan Bhagat, and Krishna Shah.
Know the case
The CBI has been investigating an illegal mining case on Nimbu Pahad. Vijay Hansda, the village head there, was a witness in the case but later retracted his statement. Various individuals accused in this illegal mining scam are under investigation.
Following the ED’s probe, the CBI filed an FIR against key suspects, including Pankaj Mishra, Vishnu Kumar Yadav, Pavitar Kumar Yadav, Rajesh Yadav, Sanjay Kumar Yadav, Bachchu Yadav, Sanjay Yadav, Suvesh Mandal, and several others.
The CBI took over a court complaint filed by Vijay Hansda at the Muffasil Police Station in Sahibganj and a case registered at the SC/ST police station. Renowned CBI DSP Krishna Kumar Singh was appointed as the Investigating Officer.
Additionally, cases related to illegal mining in Sahibganj have been registered under relevant sections of the Jharkhand Mines and Minerals Act, the Arms Act, and the SC/ST Act.
