A deputy superintendent of police (DSP) investigating illegal stone mining in Haryana's Nuh district was crushed to death by the mining mafia on Tuesday, PTI reported. Tauru DSP Surendra Singh had signalled a dumper-truck to halt to check documents. However, the driver ran over him even as the DSP's gunman and his driver jumped aside to safety.
DGP Haryana PK Agrawal told ANI that the truck driver accused of mowing down the DSP was arrested following a shootout with police. "One accused has been arrested following an encounter. He has been shot in the leg. Teams are conducting raids to arrest other accused also. Strict action will be taken," he said.
Taking to Twitter, Haryana Police said, "DSP Taoru Sh Surender Singh laid down his life today in the course of duty. Haryana Police extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the brave officer. No effort shall be spared in bringing the offenders to face justice."
Singh, along with his team, had gone to conduct raids to stop illegal mining in Aravalli hills in Pachgaon area near Tauru.
Singh, who was to retire this year, has two children. "I spoke with him today only. He was retiring this year. He has two children," ANI quoted Ashok Manju, younger brother of the DSP, as saying.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar extended condolences to the bereaved family. "A total of Rs 1 crore would be provided in compensation to the kin of the martyred police officer. We would also provide a job to one of his family members, ANI quoted the CM as saying.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said strict action would be taken against the accused. "The entire police team was with the DSP when he was killed. They went there to raid. Haryana DGP is keeping a close watch on the entire incident. Rs 50 lakh is given to police personnel from the bank and govt will also give Rs 50 lakh to the family of the deceased DSP," Anil Vij said.
"It is shameful. Mining mafia is getting out of hand. Law and order situation is deteriorating. MLAs being threatened, police also not safe. How will public feel safe? Govt needs to act expeditiously," Haryana Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda was quoted by ANI on its official Twitter handle.
The mining mafia is very active in the Gurugram and Nuh districts. Since 2015, Nuh authorities have reported roughly 50 reports of unlawful mining annually. Police and mining mafia participants frequently have run-ins. The felling of trees in Aravalli remains a threat to the environment.
In 1994, DSP Singh was hired by the Haryana Police as an assistant sub-inspector. He was set to retire in a few months. He was from the Sarangpur village in the Hisar district and resided in Kurukshetra with his family.
(With Inputs From PTI, ANI)