CBI Conducts Searches At 20 Locations In Alleged Illegal Stone Mining Case

At least 20 locations were searched by CBI in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar in connection with illegal stone mining scam in Jharkhand's Nimbu Pahad.

New Delhi:The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out searches at around 20 locations spread across three states, including Jharkhand, West Bengal and Bihar, in an ongoing probe into a case related to alleged organised illegal stone mining in Jharkhand, the Central probe agency official said on Tuesday.

According to CBI officials, the raids were conducted in three states Jharkhand (three places at Ranchi, one place at Gumla and 13 locations at Sahibganj), West Bengal (two locations at Kolkata), and Bihar (Patna). Searches 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 and shell companies, agreement papers and other incriminating documents, so far, the CBI spokesperson said.

The CBI had registered the instant case on November 20 last year under section 120B r/w 34, 379, 323, 500, 504 and 506 of IPC, under section 27 of Arms Act, under section 3(1) (5) of SC/ST Act, and section 4/54 of Jharkhand Mines & Minerals concession Rules 2004 based on the directions of High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi vide order dated 18 August 2023, the spokesperson added.

The probe 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 claimed.

The 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 evidence, which revealed the involvement and nexus of key individuals and firms to carry out the illegal mining activity and conceal the proceeds thus obtained, it said.

Searches were being carried out on the premises of suspects today whose role has come up during the investigation. Further investigation is underway, the spokesperson informed.