New Delhi, Nov 6 (Agency) Centre Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday carried out searches at around 20 locations spread across 3 states, including Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar, against the illegal stone mining.In a statement, CBI said, “The searches were conducted in an on-going investigation of a case related to organised illegal stone mining in the State of Jharkhand.”. As per the agency searches have led to recoveries of over Rs. 60 lakh cash, gold over 1 kg, 1.2 kg silver, gold ornaments, mobiles, 61 live cartridges (9 mm), agreement papers, and other incriminating documents so far.
CBI had registered the case on the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Jharkhand. “Investigation revealed that large-scale illegal mining activities in Sahebganj district allegedly caused substantial losses to the government, primarily through unpaid royalties and the violation of mining laws,” CBI said. “The initial investigation gathered evidence that revealed the involvement and nexus of key individuals and firms to carry out the illegal mining activity and conceal the proceeds thus obtained,” the agency said.