74 stone crusher units closed over ‘goonda tax’

Our Correspondent

Dera Bassi, November 17

The Mubarikpur Stone Crushers Association has opposed ‘goonda tax’ being collected by the mining mafia by setting up unauthorised nakas near Daffarpur village in Dera Bassi.

Talking to The Tribune today, Mubarikpur association president Amarjeet Bansal alleged that tippers and other vehicle drivers ferrying material from Haryana are being forced to shell out money as a royalty against the loaded material.

Bansal alleged they had recently lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner, Mohali, SSP Mohali and the Mining Department.

He further alleged that the mining mafia is harassing us by stopping our trucks on unauthorised nakas. They operate in connivance with the police and mining authorities, he alleged. The crusher owners have refused to supply stones and others material till the issue is resolved.

Following this, around 74 crusher units at Mubarikpur were closed.

Local MLA NK Sharma said charging of goonda tax by politically influential local transporters will hamper the flow of industrial investment. He threatened to launch a stir, if the state government failed to curb the menace.

Gurpreetpal Singh, District Mining Officer, said that they have not received any compliant regarding ‘goonda tax’ being collected. We will take all necessary legal action after we receive a complaint in this regard, he added.

Mafia hand in glove with police 

• Mubarikpur association president Amarjeet Bansal alleged that tippers and other vehicle drivers ferrying material from Haryana are being forced to shell out money as a royalty against the loaded material.
• He further alleged that the mining mafia is harassing us by stopping our trucks on unauthorised nakas. They operate in connivance with the police and mining authorities, he alleged. 
• The crusher owners have refused to supply stones and other material till the issue is resolved.