Guwahati, March 31: In a major crackdown on illegal coal mining, the Lekhapani Forest team, in collaboration with Ledu police, seized ₹3,06,600, 35 files, and several incriminating documents on Sunday evening from the residence of Kaushal Singh in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district.
Singh had earlier been arrested by the police for illegal coal mining.
At least four persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
Assam police and forest officials under the Digboi Division raided the residence of the accused, who had been arrested along with two accomplices earlier on Saturday for allegedly carrying and storing diesel in the Lekhapani Reserve Forest.
According to sources, the notorious coal smuggler Kaushal Singh, along with his accomplices Rahul Singpho and Anil Prasad, was transporting 200 liters of diesel in a Bolero pickup truck (registration number AS 23 DC 1662) towards the reserve forest for rat-hole mining in the protected area.
Police also arrested Shrij Singh, the son of the accused, who was reportedly involved in the interstate timber and coal trade.
“We have started an investigation into the case. So far, we have arrested four persons in connection with the matter. Further investigation is ongoing,” said a police official.
