Punjab Government Initiates Internal Probe Following Explosive Corruption Allegations
The Punjab government has launched an internal investigation after a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) for drainage and mining leveled serious accusations of widespread corruption, protection of illegal mining operations, and significant financial irregularities against senior officials in the Ropar district's drainage-cum-mining and geology wing.
Detailed Allegations of Systemic Corruption
In a formal letter addressed to Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Geology) and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, SDO Navpreet Singh, who is currently posted at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar, detailed multiple layers of alleged misconduct. The officer claimed that officials at the supervising engineer rank and below have been systematically collecting monthly bribes amounting to lakhs of rupees from crusher owners engaged in unauthorized mining activities.
Upon receiving information about this explosive letter, Punjab Principal Secretary (Water Resource) Krishan Kumar immediately ordered an inquiry into the matter. In an official communication, Kumar directed the Chief Engineer (Drainage and Water Resources) to thoroughly investigate all allegations and submit a comprehensive report within ten days. The principal secretary also forwarded the complaint to the additional chief secretary for mines and geology for further review.
Specific Financial and Operational Irregularities
The SDO's complaint contains specific financial allegations, including claims that two senior officials have been collecting approximately Rs 2 lakh per month from crusher operators to facilitate illegal mining operations. According to the complaint, interstate check posts have been systematically misused, with only select vehicles being officially documented while numerous others were allowed to pass through unauthorized routes without proper documentation.
Navpreet Singh further alleged that multiple vehicles were cleared using single Q-Forms in collusion with crusher owners, creating significant gaps in regulatory oversight. The officer stated that he had previously raised concerns through an official e-file in January of this year, but these concerns were allegedly suppressed by higher authorities.
Additional Allegations of Scheme Misuse and Cover-ups
The complaint extends beyond direct bribery allegations to include misuse of the Punjab government's 'Jis Da Khet Os Di Ret' scheme. According to the SDO, crusher owners were permitted to use illegally mined material after depositing money under this scheme, resulting in substantial financial losses to the state exchequer.
During a December 28 site inspection near Sangatpur Bridge, which spans the Satluj River, the SDO claimed to have observed clear signs of illegal mining linked to a crusher unit in Saidpur village. However, a subsequent report allegedly stated that no illegal activity had taken place, suggesting possible cover-up attempts.
The officer also alleged that during last year's floods, certain works were processed without proper tendering procedures and later documented as washed away, with attempts made to clear payments for these questionable activities. Navpreet Singh claimed that when he refused to approve such payments and declined to follow illegal instructions, efforts were made to malign his reputation before higher authorities.
Call for Action and Official Responses
In his formal complaint, the SDO has requested immediate departmental action and the dismantling of what he describes as a "corruption nexus" operating within the Ropar mining wing. Despite repeated attempts to contact Additional Chief Secretary (Mines and Geology) Jaspreet Talwar for comment, she remained unavailable for response.
Punjab Minister for Mines and Geology Barinder Kumar Goyal stated, "The matter was not brought to my attention so far, but we will definitely look into it and take appropriate action." This indicates that while the allegations are serious, formal ministerial awareness may have been limited prior to the investigation's initiation.
Background of the Complainant
SDO Navpreet Singh previously served as SDO, Kotla, with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) during the high-profile water-sharing dispute involving the Nangal hydel channel. A contempt petition was filed against him by the BBMB chairman in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for not discharging water to Haryana, though this petition was later disposed of without further action.
The current allegations represent a significant escalation in the officer's efforts to address what he perceives as systemic corruption within Punjab's mining administration, particularly in the Ropar region where illegal mining has been a persistent concern for environmental and regulatory authorities.
