Seven Poclain Machines, Eight Tippers Seized in Large-Scale Anti-Mining Operation

One of the largest anti-illegal mining operations conducted in recent years has begun revealing a deeper and more complex network allegedly involved in unauthorized mining activities in the Swan and Sutlej rivers of Ropar district. During a late-night joint raid in the Nangal sub-division, authorities seized seven Poclain excavators and eight tippers. The operation has brought to light the use of fake identities, concealed ownership of machinery, and the significant profits allegedly generated through illegal extraction of mineral resources. Officials described the action as the largest single recovery of Poclain machines in a raid conducted in the district. Six excavators were seized following a pursuit inside the riverbed, while another machine was recovered during a parallel operation led by officials of the Mining Department. The investigation has also highlighted the methods allegedly used by those engaged in illegal mining. According to senior sources, most of the seized Poclain machines did not carry registration numbers, making it difficult for authorities to immediately identify their owners. As a result, First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered on the basis of chassis numbers instead of ownership details. Sources further revealed that one of the seized tippers was operating with a fake registration number plate that actually belonged to a scooter. Officials believe the use of counterfeit number plates and unregistered heavy machinery is increasingly being adopted to avoid identification and legal action. The probe has raised additional questions after sources claimed that some of the seized Poclain machines are allegedly linked to individuals who publicly campaign against illegal mining or are associated with their close associates. While ownership records are still under verification, the development has drawn attention to the interests allegedly operating behind the trade. The case has been registered under provisions of the Punjab Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, under which illegal mining is classified as a non-bailable offence. Sources stated that some officials involved in the operation had recommended adding charges related to theft of government property, arguing that sand, gravel, and other minerals extracted from riverbeds are government-owned resources. Officials noted that the inclusion of such charges could have made the release of seized vehicles and machinery significantly more difficult. However, the case was ultimately registered only under mining laws. The raid has also provided insight into the scale of the alleged illegal mining business. According to estimates shared by Mining Department sources, a single Poclain machine can fill approximately 20 tippers during one night of operation. With seven machines active, nearly 140 tippers of material could allegedly be extracted from the Swan and Sutlej rivers in a single night. The material is reportedly sold to nearby stone crushers at around ₹20,000 per tipper. Based on these estimates, officials believe the machinery seized during Sunday’s operation was facilitating the illegal extraction of mineral resources worth nearly ₹28 lakh every night. The revelations have also renewed concerns regarding enforcement. Under existing provisions, the Mining Department can impose penalties of up to ₹5 lakh on each seized Poclain machine and up to ₹2 lakh on each seized tipper. The law also permits authorities to increase penalties by up to ten times in serious cases. However, sources acknowledged that enhanced penalty provisions are rarely invoked. The latest operation has shifted attention beyond the seized machinery to the broader network allegedly supporting the activity. Investigators are now expected to focus on ownership structures, transportation chains, and the buyers of illegally extracted materials as authorities attempt to dismantle what appears to be a far larger operation than previously believed.