The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Himachal Pradesh-based miner Gian Chand and his associate Sanjay Dhiman in connection with illegal mining in the Beas Riverbed. Their arrests are expected to cause ripples among the political elite in Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Himachal BJP demanded Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to clarify his alleged association with Gian Chand
The duo was apprehended on Monday night after several hours of interrogation. They were subsequently presented before the Ghaziabad PMLA court, where the ED sought their police remand for further questioning.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that 63-year-old Gian Chand, a resident of Nadaun in Hamirpur district, is well-connected with influential politicians in the state. It is alleged that he exploited these political ties to further his business interests. Investigators have gathered digital evidence and conducted a thorough inquiry over several months, uncovering Gian Chand's close association with a relative of a senior politician.
Gian Chand's arrest follows multiple FIRs, including two filed by the ED—one in July this year and another by the Uttar Pradesh Police on 7th November, after an ED raid on his crusher units in Saharanpur. Earlier, the ED had filed a separate FIR against him for causing environmental damage by operating a stone crusher near water bodies in Jaraut village, Nadaun Tehsil, Hamirpur district.
The ED began its investigation into illegal mining after identifying six FIRs lodged between 2018 and 2023 at various police stations in Kangra and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh. Gian Chand was found to be involved in the illegal extraction of minor minerals, with the proceeds allegedly used to acquire assets, including stone crushers in Saharanpur district.
Two months ago, the ED conducted raids at multiple locations, including the crusher units, where incriminating documents were seized. The Uttar Pradesh Police later registered an FIR based on the ED's recommendations.
Gian Chand is a partner in three stone crusher businesses—Garhwal Stone Crusher, Time Builder Stone Crusher, and Ambey Stone Crusher—and is also the proprietor of M/s. Jai Maa Jawala Stone Crusher. The ED investigation revealed that M/s. Jai Maa Jawala Stone Crusher, located in Adhwani Village, Kangra District, was engaged in illegal mining of sand, stone, and bajri from the Beas Riverbed, beyond the authorised lease area. Mining activities were carried out during prohibited hours (8 PM to 5 AM), with the extracted materials allegedly sold in cash, bypassing legal oversight.
Gian Chand pumped proceeds of crime in business
The ED's remand petition to the special PMLA court outlined that Gian Chand used the proceeds from illegal mining to expand his business. He purchased Garhwal Stone Crusher in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for Rs 4.70 crore during 2023-24, of which Rs 1.60 crore was paid in cash generated from the illegal sale of sand and minerals mined by M/s. Jai Maa Jawala Stone Crusher.
During the ED's raid of his Saharanpur units in September, it was found that Garhwal Stone Crusher was involved in the illegal procurement and sale of River Bed Material (RBM) from the Yamuna Riverbed. In June, the Uttar Pradesh GST Department had seized excess RBM worth Rs 62.14 lakh from the official premises of Garhwal Stone Crusher, confirming the illegal mining activities.
The ED stated that Dhiman played a significant role in managing the day-to-day operations of Jai Maa Jawala Stone Crusher. He was fully aware of the sale of illegally mined minerals and received cash from these sales. Dhiman also contributed cash towards the purchase of Garhwal Stone Crusher.
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