The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a summons to Panchkula Police Commissioner Rakesh Kumar Arya, compelling his appearance in court on March 3 amidst allegations of a deep-seated collusion between the police and the mining mafia. The court’s decision highlights growing concerns over the integrity of the investigation into these claims, which involve senior police officials.
Justice NS Shekhawat, presiding over the case, expressed dismay at the police’s attempts to allegedly obstruct the investigation into an illegal mining racket, as detailed in a civil writ petition filed against the State of Haryana. The original case, registered on November 27, 2024, at the Chandimandir Police Station, cites violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Mining Act.
During the proceedings, it was noted that while the FIR implicated 82 individuals, only 69 have been interrogated, and notably, no arrests have been executed. “The investigation has failed to make any headway, raising concerns about deliberate attempts to shield high-ranking officials,” Justice Shekhawat remarked. He underscored the severity of the allegations, which suggest a conspiracy involving high-level officers within the Haryana police.
The court criticized the handling of the investigation, which was initially entrusted to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and later transferred to a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), yet has shown minimal progress. In light of these findings, Justice Shekhawat took a decisive step by ordering the impleadment of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a respondent in the case, indicating the need for greater oversight.
