JANAKPURDHAM, Dec 30: Phanindra Prasad Pokhrel, the Chairman of Ward no. 1 in Karjanha Municipality, was arrested on Friday for allegedly endorsing unlawful stone, gravel, and sand mining activities in the Chure forest area.
Radheshyam Chaudhary, Information Officer of the Division Forest Office in Lahan, confirmed the arrest and stated that evidence had been uncovered, linking Chairman Pokharel to the illegal mining activities in Baltiya, where an excavator was reportedly employed in violation of existing laws and regulations.
Local governments allowing mining in Chure to generate income
Chairman Pokharel is currently in the custody of the Division Forest Office in Lahan as authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. Information Officer Chaudhary emphasised that the arrest was made based on concrete evidence of Pokharel's involvement in recommending and supporting illegal mining practices.
This case unfolded on Thursday when the Division Forest Office Lahan apprehended Mohammad Khalil Rain, the owner of Kamleshwari Kamala Crusher situated along the Kamala River in Karjanha Municipality-7. Investigations into Rain's activities are ongoing.
Additionally, the detention of driver Pradip Kumar Darlami and local contractor Niraj Basnet, who were found using an excavator for mining along the banks of the Kamala River in the forest area, further underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Chaudhary mentioned that the arrested people are currently held in the custody of the Division Forest Office, with a comprehensive inquiry underway to assess the extent of their involvement in the illegal mining operations.
