Deep nexus: Condemned vehicles used to transport mining material in Mahendragarh

Tribune News Service

Ravinder Saini

Mahendragarh, August 8

Those involved in illegal mining in the district have adopted a new way of protecting themselves from the authorities while transporting material to other places. They are using condemned tractor-trailers and other vehicles modified by tampering with chassis numbers and removing registration plates so that the authorities cannot not track who the vehicles belong to.

Interestingly, whenever police and mining officials chase them, drivers simply escape after leaving the vehicles loaded with mining material. The district authorities have seized several such vehicles, but it is yet to be ascertained who the vehicles belonged to in many cases, say sources. They say the issue was also raised by Mining Department officials at a recent meeting of the District Level Task Force Committee (DLTFC). The officials categorically stated that such vehicles had become a challenge for them as it was difficult to trace owners.

“We have got information that condemned vehicles are being used for the transportation of mining material. Officers should ensure that people involved are booked not only under the mining Act but also for violation of traffic rules,” said DC Jai Krishan Abhir at the DLTFC meeting.

He said such vehicles also increased the possibility of road mishaps, so such vehicles should be compounded.

Niranjan, Mining Officer, Mahendragarh, said, “Chassis numbers are removed by using grinders. The motive is to conceal the identity of the vehicle owner, but we also have to face technical issues in seizing vehicles without chassis and registration numbers,” he said.

A challenge to nab owners: Officials

• Drivers of such vehicles escape, while leaving their vehicles loaded with mining material on roads, whenever police or mining officials chase or intercept them
• The authorities have seized several such vehicles. Officials say it is a challenge to nab owners of such vehicles

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

#illegal mining #Mahendragarh