Sonipat MLA Surender Panwar in ED Crosshairs Over Illegal Mining

The arrest of Sonipat MLA Surendra Panwar comes after ED raids connected to alleged illicit mining activities in Haryana.

New Delhi 20 July 2024

Surender Panwar, a Congress MLA representing Sonipat, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) today in connection with an illegal mining case. This development comes in the wake of recent ED searches at the properties of Rao Dan Singh, another Congress MLA from Mahendragarh, indicating a widening probe into illegal mining operations in Haryana.

Panwar, who reportedly oversees mining operations in Haryana and Rajasthan according to investigative reports, had been under scrutiny following multiple FIRs by the Haryana Police. These FIRs allege the illegal extraction of boulders, gravel, and sand beyond the lease expiry period and against court orders in districts including Yamuna Nagar.

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The ED took more aggressive action following a raid in January at Panwar’s home in Sonipat’s Sector 15, when significant evidence was found. This included 300 cartridges, foreign-made weapons, and ₹5 crore in cash. Following the investigation, documents containing incriminating information were found that linked Panwar to money laundering activities associated with illicit mining.

Panwar was arrested by the ED’s Assistant Director Anand Kumar Pandey under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency’s findings point to a convoluted web of financial dealings connected to the illegal mining activities it is looking into.

Particularly in places like Haryana where these tactics have long hampered regulatory efforts, this arrest highlights the ED’s continuous efforts to crack down on corruption and unlawful activities in the mining sector. Subsequent disclosures are anticipated to illuminate the scope of unlawful mining activities and their economic consequences as the case moves forward.

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