Today(on 20th July), the Enforcement Directorate arrested Congress MLA Surender Panwar in Gurugram as part of its investigation into illegal mining activities in Haryana. Panwar, 55, will be presented before a special PMLA court in Ambala for a custodial remand.
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NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step in its ongoing investigation into illegal mining activities in Haryana by arresting Congress MLA Surender Panwar. The 55-year-old legislator was apprehended in the early hours of today( 20th July) in Gurugram, according to official sources. Panwar is scheduled to be presented before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ambala, where the central agency will seek a custodial remand.
Earlier this year, the ED conducted raids on Panwar’s premises, suspecting him of involvement in “large-scale illegal mining” in the Yamunanagar area of Haryana. This development follows the arrest of former Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislator from Yamunanagar, Dilbag Singh, and his associate, Kulwinder Singh, on similar charges.
The backdrop of these arrests includes the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, where voters will decide on 90 seats later this year. The money laundering case that led to Panwar’s arrest is based on multiple FIRs filed by the Haryana Police. These FIRs investigate the alleged illegal mining of boulders, gravel, and sand that persisted in Yamunanagar and surrounding districts, despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
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In addition to the illegal mining activities, the ED is also delving into an alleged fraud associated with the “e-Ravana” scheme. This online portal, introduced by the Haryana government in 2020, aimed to simplify the collection of royalties and taxes while preventing tax evasion in mining areas. According to the ED, the illegal mining activities are estimated to have generated slush funds amounting to approximately Rs 400-500 crore over the last few years.
The ED’s probe into the illegal mining operations and related money laundering activities underscores the seriousness of the issue. The agency’s actions highlight the extent of illegal mining in the region and the substantial financial implications involved.
“Large-scale illegal mining” has been a persistent problem in Yamunanagar, with significant environmental and economic consequences. The ED’s efforts to clamp down on these activities demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing illegal operations and holding those involved accountable.
As the Haryana Assembly elections approach, the arrest of Surender Panwar and others involved in the illegal mining racket may impact the political landscape. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will likely shed more light on the extent of the illegal activities and the individuals responsible.
The alleged fraud in the “e-Ravana” scheme also points to the complexities involved in regulating mining activities and ensuring transparency in the collection of royalties and taxes. The ED’s probe into this scheme is expected to uncover further details about the mechanisms of tax evasion and the individuals benefiting from these illegal operations.