Illegal sand mining racket busted in Sutlej; Complaint sent to CM Mann alleging police, political nexus
Babushahi Bureau
Sidhwan Bet (Punjab), February 21, 2026:The Punjab government’s repeated claims of eliminating illegal mining have come under serious scrutiny after a large-scale sand theft operation was allegedly uncovered in the Sutlej River at village Madhepur under Sidhwan Bet police station.
A social worker has submitted a written complaint directly to the Chief Minister of Punjab and other senior officials, alleging that a mining mafia is operating openly with the alleged negligence of the local police and possible political patronage.
Harjinder Singh, son of Gurmej Ram and a resident of village Muhim (Nakodar), has raised serious allegations in his letter to the Chief Minister. He claimed that illegal mining has been taking place in full swing during night hours in the Sutlej riverbed near village Madhepur for the past 10 days.
According to the complaint, Sukhraj Singh, along with individuals identified as Kala and his brother Pipli, and 10–12 unidentified associates, have allegedly been using Pokline machines to excavate sand from the riverbed. The complainant alleged that nearly 100 tippers and tractor-trolleys of sand are being illegally extracted and transported daily.
Harjinder Singh further stated that Sukhraj Singh has previously been booked in cases related to illegal mining.
Questions Raised on Police and Administrative Functioning
The complaint also raises serious concerns about the response of local authorities. Harjinder Singh alleged that on the night of February 19, between 10 pm and 12 midnight, when mining activities were reportedly ongoing, he made repeated phone calls to the SHO of Sidhwan Bet, the DSP of Jagraon, and officials of the Mining Department. However, he claimed that none of the officials responded to his calls.
The complainant stated that he possesses call records as well as video evidence showing the Pokline machine operating at night. He further alleged that during the day, the heavy machinery used for illegal mining is concealed and parked at a makeshift camp constructed along the riverbank.