ED Arrests Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar in Illegal Mining Case

Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an illegal mining case. The arrest comes after a series of raids conducted earlier this year, targeting Panwar and former Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislator Dilbag Singh, along with their associates. The operations were carried out across multiple locations including Sonipat, Gurugram, and Yamunanagar.

The ED's investigation is rooted in allegations of illegal mining activities, particularly involving the extraction of boulders, gravel, and sand in Yamunanagar and adjacent districts. This continued despite the expiry of mining leases and in defiance of court orders. The agency had previously conducted raids in January, uncovering substantial amounts of cash, foreign-made arms, and ammunition from properties linked to both Panwar and Singh.

Panwar, who represents Sonipat in the Haryana Assembly, secured his position by defeating BJP candidate Kavita Jain in the 2019 elections. The illegal mining probe also encompasses an investigation into the 'e-ravan' scheme, an online portal introduced by the Haryana government in 2020. The scheme was designed to streamline the collection of royalties and taxes, aiming to curb tax evasion within the mining sector.

Authorities have conducted extensive searches at over 20 locations tied to Panwar and Singh, involving significant deployment of central paramilitary forces. The ED's operations are part of a broader crackdown on money laundering linked to illegal mining, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case has drawn considerable attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the substantial illicit gains uncovered during the raids.

This development marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to address illegal mining practices in Haryana, reflecting the state's commitment to enforcing legal and regulatory compliance in the sector. The ramifications of these arrests are expected to resonate within the political landscape of Haryana, given the prominence of the figures involved.

As the investigation progresses, further details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the full extent of the illegal mining operations and the network of individuals implicated. The case underscores the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in curbing illegal activities and enforcing environmental and legal standards in the mining industry.