Illegal sand mining going on unabated in Punjab: Khaira

AAP MLA and Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira today accused the Punjab government of protecting the sand mafia in the state, saying that illegal mining of sand was going on unabated here.

Khaira made the allegations while addressing party workers who had assembled here to hold a sit-in protest against the illegal mining and attack on AAP MLA Amarijit Singh Sandoa allegedly by the sand mafiosi.

"Illegal sand mining in Punjab is going on unabated with the approval of the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh," alleged Khaira while addressing the gathering of his party workers.

Khaira, MLA from Bholath, also charged the district administration with submitting false report showing that no illegal mining was taking place in Harsa Bela, Beinhara and Sohara quarries. He said he would personally visit the sites to expose such "lies".

Khaira also claimed that the district administration was under pressure to cover up the illegal mining operation and save the main accused allegedly involved in the attack on the AAP MLA.

Sandoa was injured after being allegedly attacked at village Beinhara near Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district when the legislator had gone to a quarry to verify reports of illegal sand mining on June 21.

Khaira also alleged that the state government had failed to trace real culprits who were behind the sacrilege incidents.