New Delhi, July 13, 2024 – The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Headquarters Office, has conducted search operations across various locations in Hisar, Bhiwani, Gurugram, Panchkula, and Delhi in connection with illegal mining activities by M/s. Govardhan Mines and Minerals. The searches were carried out under the provisions stipulated in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The persons searched include Mrs. Ravita, Pankaj Singh, Jagat Singh, Sanjay Gupta, Sombir Singh, Naveen Kumar, and others associated with the firm. During the operations, ED seized various incriminating documents, digital devices, cash amounting to Rs. 5 lakh, and a luxurious BMW car valued at Rs. 1.50 crore. Additionally, the bank account of the firm, holding Rs. 41 lakh, has been frozen.
The ED’s investigation was initiated based on a Prosecution Complaint filed by the Regional Officer of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Bhiwani, before the Special Environment Court in Kurukshetra. The complaint alleged violations of Environment Clearance conditions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and subsequent FIRs registered by the Haryana Police under various sections of the IPC, 1860.
An investigation by the ED revealed that M/s. Govardhan Mines and Minerals engaged in large-scale illegal and unscientific mining in the Dadam area of Haryana. This illegal activity not only caused extensive environmental damage but also resulted in significant financial losses to the exchequer. Tragically, the unscientific mining practices led to slope instabilities resulting in the loss of five lives.
Further investigations revealed that Vedpal Singh Tanwar, a key managerial figure, played a central role in acquiring mining rights illegally and overseeing operations that exceeded permissible limits. The ED estimates that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 56 crore were generated from these illegal mining activities, with Vedpal Singh Tanwar and others implicated in possession of these funds.
Earlier searches conducted on August 3, 2023, yielded substantial evidence, including incriminating documents, and jewellery worth Rs. 3.7 crore, cash amounting to Rs. 26.45 lakh, and a Mercedes car valued at Rs. 1 crore. Following these findings, Vedpal Singh Tanwar was arrested by the ED on May 30, 2024, & is currently in judicial custody.
The ED’s latest actions underscore its commitment to combating financial crimes linked to environmental violations and illegal mining activities. The agency continues to pursue rigorous investigations to uphold the rule of law and protect the nation’s natural resources from exploitation.
