Mohali: Seven persons, including two identified accused, have been booked for allegedly carrying out illegal mining in the Ghaggar river in Zirakpur’s Peer Muchalla area. Police have also seized machinery used in the operation from them.The accused named in the FIR are Vikas Singla of Mohali and Yasin of Pinjore, while the identities of five others are yet to be established.Police said they received information late Friday night that illegal mining was being carried out in the Ghaggar using JCB machines and tippers without the requisite permission. A police team rushed to the spot, but the accused allegedly fled after spotting the police.Police impounded JCB machines and tippers from the site and later registered a case under provisions of the BNS and the Mining Act.Investigators are now trying to identify the remaining accused and ascertain how long the illegal mining had been going on. Police are also verifying the ownership of the seized machinery and assessing the revenue loss caused to the govt due to the alleged illegal extraction.Efforts are under way to trace the accused who escaped from the spot, police said.
