Illegal mining case: ED raids over dozen locations in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in Rajasthan as part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case related to alleged illegal mining. The searches are currently underway in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Nagaur. The ED conducted these raids under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

These raids come after the new BJP government in Rajasthan initiated a major crackdown on illegal mining activities. The government has been using drones for surveys to identify and curb such activities. Bhilwara district has reported the highest number of 75 illegal mining cases, and the revenue authorities have been alerted.

Rajasthan is rich in minerals, with 81 varieties available in the state, out of which 57 are commercially exploited. The state holds the highest number of mining leases in the country. To tackle unlicensed and illegal mining, the government has been using remote sensing data and a geographic information system.

Last year, the Rajasthan Police filed 813 cases and arrested 330 individuals involved in illegal mining. The police also seized 900 vehicles and 7,472 tons of illegally mined minerals during the crackdown.

(With inputs from ANI)