ED arrests Sonipat Cogress MLA, Surender Panwar in illegal mining case linked to Yamuna Nagar

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Surender Panwar, a Congress MLA from Sonepat, Haryana, in connection with an illegal mining case. The MLA was apprehended from Gurugram after midnight. Earlier this year, the probe agency conducted raids at Panwar's residences and office as part of their investigation into the matter.

ED conducted raids 

Authorities conducted raids earlier in January at 20 locations associated with former Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) legislator Dilbag Singh, ex-Congress MLA Surender Panwar, and their related entities across several cities including Yamunanagar, Sonipat, Mohali, Faridabad, Chandigarh, and Karnal. The raids were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Allegations of large-scale illegal mining 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated the investigation into allegations of large-scale illegal mining of sand, boulders, and gravels in Yamunanagar and adjoining districts of Haryana. Singh and Panwar, along with their associates, are reportedly implicated in the case, which stems from multiple FIRs filed by the Haryana Police and directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Resignation due to personal reasons

In July 2022, Panwar had tendered his resignation to assembly speaker Gian Chand Gupta, citing personal reasons, including threats to his family’s security and well being.

Probe financial irregularities 

The ED's action underscores ongoing efforts to probe financial irregularities and environmental violations linked to the mining operations. The case has drawn attention due to its potential implications on environmental conservation and governance in the region.