Patna : Authorities have taken action against a construction company accused of illegal mining in Nalanda district after an ancient wall was unearthed from a pond during excavation work. The discovery has brought to light unauthorised soil extraction, prompting the administration to file a case against Raja Construction Private Limited.
The mining department has registered an FIR against the company for allegedly removing soil from Bhinda pond in Silav block without official permission. The excavation, reportedly ongoing since March 1, involved the use of heavy machinery such as Poklane excavators and bulldozers. Officials claim that the extracted soil was being sold to contractors associated with the road construction department.
Illegal Mining in Exchange for Financial Incentives
According to local reports, contractors from Raja Construction lured residents with financial incentives to facilitate the excavation. The operation came under scrutiny when workers stumbled upon an ancient wall within the pond, leading to intervention by the Archaeological Department. Investigators confirmed that the excavation was unauthorised, and officials halted the digging eight days after the revelation. However, the machinery used in the activity was not seized.
Company to Face Financial Penalties
Authorities have cited violations of Rule 11 and Rule 33 of the Bihar Mineral Rules 2019, and the company now faces legal action under Rule 56 of the revised regulations introduced in 2024. Officials stated that compensation for the revenue loss incurred due to the illegal mining would be recovered from Rajkumar Singh, the owner of Raja Construction Private Limited, based in Bali Pakar, Paliganj, Patna.
