Rajesh Kumar Poonch
*District Police Poonch Cracks Down on Illegal Mining; Case Registered at Police Station Surankote*
Poonch, 07 October 2026:
Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining and extraction of minor minerals, District Police Poonch has taken stringent action against persons involved in illegal excavation from the riverbed of River Suran.
During the intervening night of 6/7 October 2026, Police Station Surankote received credible information regarding illegal excavation of minor minerals from River Suran at Draba, Surankote. Acting promptly on the information, a police party proceeded to the spot and found a JCB machine being used for unauthorized excavation of minor minerals from the riverbed.
Accordingly, FIR No. 328/2026 under Sections 223 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 4(1), 4(1-A) and 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, has been registered at Police Station Surankote against the owner and operator of the JCB machine.
The operator, namely Irfan Ahmed S/o Anwar Hussain Caste Gujjar R/o Dara Mohra, Tehsil Surankote, has been arrested, while the JCB machine used in the illegal excavation has been seized as per law.
The investigation has been taken up and further legal proceedings are in progress. Police are also examining the role of other persons, if any, involved in the illegal mining activity.
District Police Poonch reiterated that illegal mining, unauthorized excavation and transportation of minor minerals will not be permitted, and strict legal action will be taken against persons found involved in such activities. The public has also been urged to report any instance of illegal mining or extraction of minerals to the nearest police station or concerned authorities.
District Police Poonch remains committed to protecting public resources, maintaining environmental safeguards and ensuring strict enforcement of mining laws.
