2 excavators, 10 vehicles involved in illegal mining seized

KATHUA, JUNE 04: Two excavators and eight loaded vehicles involved in illegal mining were today seized in different parts of Kathua district.

District Mineral Officer (DMO) Rajinder Singh Rana led surprise raids by a team of Geology and Mining at Ravi River, Ujh River, Sahar Khad and Hiranagar and seized eight vehicles and two excavators. The seized vehicles have been kept in the custody of police till realization of penalty.

DMO Kathua informed that one excavator was excavating material from illegally encroached State land at Taraf Tajwal and the other excavator was caught mining River Bed Material (RBM) near a stone crusher in Ravi belt in violation of mining rules.

Meanwhile, District Mineral Officer (DMO) Sunil Manhas and Station House Officer (SHO) Thathri Amit Katoch in a coordinated operation seized two heavy vehicles transporting illegal minerals.

The operation took place at Phagsoo, where a truck with registration number JK06-2651 and another vehicle with registration number JK14C-6319 were apprehended. These vehicles were caught red-handed while in the act of transporting illicit mineral muck.

During the operation, DMO Doda issued a stern warning to the drivers of the seized vehicles, cautioning them against engaging in any further illegal mining activities. They warned of severe consequences to those violating the Minerals Act.