ChhattisgarhGovt Steps up Drive Against Illegal Mining, Warns of Tough Action

Based on complaints received and information gathered through various channels, a joint team of the Central Mineral Flying Squad conducts an extensive inspection drive on June 22, 2026, in the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Surajpur, and Sarguja. During the operation, seven vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of minerals are seized, and cases are registered against them under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957-Photo Credit CG/PR

In Short

• Cases registered against 5 accused for obstructing official duty; 4 taken into custody, search for the prime accused underway

• Action against illegal mining to continue with a zero-tolerance policy

Raipur: Under the directives of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Mineral Department is conducting a special campaign across the state against the illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals.

The state government has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the plunder of mineral resources, illegal trade, and obstruction of official duties, and the campaign will not be allowed to be compromised under any circumstances.

Based on complaints received and information gathered through various channels, a joint team of the Central Mineral Flying Squad conducted an extensive inspection drive on June 22, 2026, in the districts of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Surajpur, and Sarguja. During the operation, seven vehicles involved in the illegal transportation of minerals were seized, and cases were registered against them under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Meanwhile, in the Gandhi Chowk area of ​​Ambikapur, the vehicle owner (Laddan Khan), driver (Sonu Toppo), Dhansi Toppo, helper (Suresh Singh), and another associate (Sunil)—associated with a sand-laden tipper—engaged in abusive behavior, issued threats, and attempted to obstruct the Central Mineral Flying Squad team while they were verifying the legality of the mineral transport. The accused also attempted to flee with the vehicle. Treating the matter seriously, a case was registered at the Gandhinagar Police Station against the five accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Taking prompt action, the local police have arrested and taken four of the accused into custody, while the search for the vehicle owner, Laddan Khan, is ongoing. The seized vehicle has also been placed in police custody.

The Department of Minerals has clarified that no attempt to obstruct the ongoing campaign against illegal mining, intimidate government officials, or halt enforcement actions will be tolerated.

Legal action will be taken against perpetrators—not only for illegal mining offenses but also for obstructing official duties, issuing threats, and committing other related crimes.

The department maintains continuous surveillance using modern technologies, drone monitoring, and special flying squad teams. The government’s intent is clear: to effectively curb illegal activities in the state and ensure that no lawbreaker is spared.

The state government remains committed to maintaining a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against illegal mining, transportation, and storage, and will continue to take strict action; those who obstruct official duties will be punished in accordance with the law, Chief Minister assured,