Ropar, March 8: Startling revelations have emerged regarding the abysmal conviction rate in cases related to illegal mining in Ropar, Punjab. A report submitted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court-appointed commissioner has exposed that less than 1% of the accused have faced penalties in these cases.
Upon scrutinising the report, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has adopted a firm stance on the matter, directing the Punjab Home Secretary to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The court has demanded a detailed affidavit, including the names and positions of the investigating officers, and information on the actions being taken against them. The complete information is to be submitted in an affidavit before the next hearing scheduled for March 15.
The report highlights that, according to available data, only one case in 2019 resulted in convictions, with a mere four cases in 2022 and no convictions in 2021 and 2023. These statistics are concerning, especially given the rampant illegal mining cases in Ropar district.
Between 2014 and 2023, over 800 cases of illegal mining have been registered in Ropar, with a majority still pending. Out of the cases disposed of during this period, 183 resulted in the acquittal of the accused, while 127 were cancelled, and 54 cases ended without an arrest. This revelation has prompted the High Court to take decisive action, instructing the Punjab Home Secretary to investigate and address the shortcomings in the handling of illegal mining cases in the region.
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