Karnataka - Bangalore   

Lokayukta begins probe into mining racket

Staff Reporter

N. Santosh Hegde

BANGALORE: Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde has launched an investigation into the large-scale iron ore-mining racket in the State.

Talking to The Hindu, Mr. Hegde said he had undertaken a preliminary inquiry into the issue.

He was examining documents and other materials related to iron ore mining in the State.

He said the Forest Department, Industry and Commerce Department, Mines and Geology Department and Mysore Minerals had been asked to submit documents. "Some departments have not submitted the documents sought for," he said without specifying the department.

In March, the State Government decided to wind up the one-man U.L. Bhat Commission of Inquiry into the iron ore racket and handed it over to the Lokayukta.

The terms of reference given to the Lokayukta was the same as the one given to the Bhat Commission.

Among other things, the inquiry was to identify all the fraudulent activities related to mining between January 2000 and to July 2006 and look into the allegation made by BJP MLC G. Janardhan Reddy that Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Ministers M.P. Prakash and C. Chennigappa had taken bribe.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Hydel power plant: State to move Cauvery tribunal
Get it done in 20 days or I'll throw you out, thunders Kumaraswamy
Another hospitality programme soon
It was time for smiles and sweets
The audio cassette gasps for its life
The magic of the movies
Congress seeks immediate arrest of Renukacharya
Drought relief work hit in three districts
Two arrested following complaint from chit fund scheme investor
Children in Robinsons' shoes
House panel on SDMCs to hold meetings
Lokayukta begins probe into mining racket
Recognising the contribution of women
Woman's body found after four days
Chit fund case: Accused seeks bail
Power disconnection drive
Seeking Gandhiji's support...
Correction
Around the City

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu