The Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Malkit Beniwal in connection with an illegal mining case in Panchkula. Beniwal, stationed at the Barwala police post, is implicated in a major mining scam discovered in December 2024. The case was flagged through WhatsApp groups, which led to the Chandimandir police station filing an FIR.
The SIT, led by DCP Himadri Kaushik and ACP Vikram Nehra, requested a three-day remand for Beniwal, but the Panchkula court denied it, sending him to Ambala jail.
The investigation has revealed a large network of 82 suspects involved in the illegal mining activities. So far, 69 people have been questioned, and Home Guard Deepak Sharma, believed to be the mastermind, is under scrutiny for his role in facilitating deals between officials, police, and miners.
In addition to Beniwal’s arrest, the SIT has detained two officials from the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, Nafe Singh and Inderjeet, for allegedly accepting bribes. The Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC) reprimanded police for inaction and demanded a status report by March 3, 2025. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a notice for potential higher-level probes into the matter.
Panchkula Police Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Arya has assured that those involved in illegal mining will face strict action and that no one will be spared.
