317 FIRs, 154 held so far in 17 days

Jaipur: In a joint action by mines, police, and forest departments in the last 17 days, 98 cases of illegal mining, 709 illegal transportations, and 62 illegal storage have surfaced. A total of 317 FIRs were registered and 154 people have been arrested so far. Besides, 43 big machines and 833 small machines and vehicles were seized. A total of 31,843 tonnes of minerals were seized and Rs 4.09 crore was recovered through fine.

A nationwide campaign against illegal mining is being carried out by the authorities concerned. So far, 71 cases of illegal mining have been exposed. Police made seven cases and Forest Department made 20 cases. Similarly, 539 cases of illegal transportation were exposed. Police made 160 and the Forest Department made 10 cases. Mines and police department jointly registered 165 FIRs, made 79 arrests. Police seized 180 and the Forest Department seized 29 vehicles and machines, said mining director NK Kothari.