ED Arrested Haryana Congress MLA Surender Panwar in Illegal Mining Case

In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Surender Panwar, a Congress Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Haryana, in connection with an illegal mining case. The arrest took place on Saturday following a series of raids and investigations into mining operations in the state.

Panwar, who represents the Sonipat constituency, was taken into custody after ED officials conducted a search at his residence. Sources within the agency claim that several incriminating documents were recovered during the raid, pointing to alleged money laundering activities linked to illegal mining operations.

The MLA's arrest is part of a broader investigation into illegal mining activities across multiple districts in Haryana, including Yamunanagar and Sonipat. The ED is reportedly examining several First Information Reports (FIRs) previously registered by the Haryana Police related to these activities.

This is not the first time Panwar has come under the ED's scrutiny. In January, his residence in Sonipat's Sector 15 was searched, along with locations connected to Dilbag Singh, a former Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLA. Those raids resulted in the recovery of Rs 5 crore in cash, foreign-made weapons, and approximately 300 cartridges. 

The latest action against Panwar comes just days after the ED conducted searches at the premises of another Congress MLA, Rao Dan Singh from Mahendragarh. These consecutive operations suggest an intensifying crackdown on alleged illegal mining activities and related financial irregularities in the state.

Panwar, who won the Sonipat Assembly seat in 2019 with a significant 59.51% of the votes, defeating BJP candidate Kavita Jain, is known to run mining operations in both Haryana and neighboring Rajasthan. His son was also questioned by the ED team during Saturday's operation. 

The arrest of a sitting MLA has sent shockwaves through political circles in Haryana. It raises questions about the extent of illegal mining activities in the state and the potential involvement of political figures in such operations. 

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the political landscape in Haryana and what further revelations may come to light regarding the alleged nexus between politics and illegal mining in the region. 

The ED's ongoing actions underscore the agency's commitment to tackling financial crimes and illegal activities that have significant economic implications for the state and the country at large.