CBI Raids 20 Locations Across 3 States In Illegal Stone Mining Case; Seizes Rs. 60 Lakh Cash, 1 KG Gold, 1.2 KG Silver, & Arms
(Judicial Quest News Network)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted extensive searches at approximately 20 locations spread across three states — Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar — in connection with an ongoing probe into a large-scale illegal stone mining racket operating primarily in Jharkhand. The raids, executed on November 5, 2023, targeted key locations in Ranchi, Gumla, and Sahebganj (all in Jharkhand), along with Kolkata in West Bengal, and Patna in Bihar.
The searches have led to significant recoveries, including over Rs. 60 lakh in cash, more than 1 kg of gold, 1.2 kg of silver, gold jewelry, 61 live 9mm cartridges, mobile phones, sale deeds for properties, documents related to investments, shell companies, and several incriminating papers. These findings provide further evidence of the involvement of a network of individuals and entities in organized illegal mining activities.
The CBI initiated the investigation on November 20, 2023, after the Hon’ble High Court of Jharkhand issued directions for action in the case on August 18, 2023. The agency filed charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal conspiracy (Section 120B), theft (Section 379), assault (Section 323), defamation (Section 500), and intimidation (Sections 504 and 506), as well as the Arms Act, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and Jharkhand Mines and Minerals Concession Rules, 2004.
The case revolves around the illegal stone mining activities taking place in Sahebganj district, Jharkhand, where the illegal extraction and transportation of stone has reportedly resulted in substantial revenue losses for the state government. These losses have primarily been attributed to unpaid royalties and blatant violations of mining laws.
Further investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting the involvement of several key players and companies who were allegedly operating covertly to launder the proceeds from the illegal activities. These individuals and entities used a range of methods to hide the illicit gains, including falsifying property transactions, creating shell companies, and conducting fraudulent investment schemes.
Today’s searches targeted the premises of specific suspects identified through ongoing investigations. The CBI’s operation is still underway, and further actions are expected as the investigation continues to unfold.
This major breakthrough highlights the CBI’s ongoing efforts to dismantle organized illegal mining operations and ensure accountability for those causing significant harm to the state’s resources and economy.
