Punjab And Haryana High Court: Criticised Police For Charging Only ‘Poor Persons’, Shielding ‘Real Culprits’; Illegal Mining

The Punjab And Haryana High Court in the case Aajamdeen v. State of Punjab observed and has taken a stern view against the officers of Punjab Police for charging only ‘poor persons like drivers in a case of illegal mining and coal transportation, while shielding the ‘real culprits’ at whose behest such activities were being carried out. The present case pertains to the illegal mining in Rupnagar.
The bench headed by Justice NS Shekhawat in the case observed wherein the anticipatory bail plea was moved of the tipper driver.
The court stated that it seems that the police is hand in glove with the persons, who are carrying out this illegal mining operations in the said area.
It has also been directed by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Rupnagar for filing the detailed report which indicated the reasons as to why the persons, who were carrying out the illegal mining operations, have not been arrayed as accused in the case. Court has also summoned the area SHO.
The order stated that it being apparent that in the present case, only poor persons vis., driver of 1GB and driver of tipper have been arrayed as accused. Thus, it is the sorry state of affairs that the police is trying its best to shield the real culprits, at whose instance the illegal mining operations were being carried out.
Therefore, the court in the case remained unimpressed by Assistant Sub-Inspector who submitted that efforts are being made to nab the real culprits but till date, thus, the police has not been able to ascertain their identities.
The petitioner in the case has been booked under section 21(1) and Section 4(1) of the Mines and Minerals, Regulation And Development Act, 1957.
The counsel appearing for the petitioner argued before the court that he was found at the spot and has been falsely incriminated.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on September 14, 2023.
The counsel, Advocate Amandeep Saini appeared for the petitioner.