The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Mining: lokayukta issues notice to 15 officials

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Mining: lokayukta issues notice to 15 officials

Staff Reporter

Report on fraudulent activities relating to mining soon

IAS officials among those given notice
Some officials have joined private mining companies

BANGALORE: Lokayukta N. Santosh Hegde has issued notice to 15 officials, including some bureaucrats, from the Mines and Geology and other departments.

Mr. Hegde told The Hindu that these officials’ action had caused loss to the State in terms of revenue from mining in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts.

Mr. Hegde said that notice had been sent seeking explanations from the officials about their action that had caused loss to the State.

“Our inquiry shows the extent of loss that these officials have caused. Though not necessary under the Lokayukta Act, I want to give them an opportunity before I mention their names in the report,” Mr. Hegde said.

Mr. Hegde is inquiring into the fraudulent activities relating to mining between January 2000 and 2006. He is looking into the joint venture contracts entered into by Mysore Minerals Ltd. (MML) that are alleged to have favoured select individuals and companies.

Mr. Hegde was scheduled to submit his report by July 31.

Mr. Hegde said: “Some of these officials are presently not working in the department. Some have joined private mining companies. One IAS officer is working in his home State Orissa.” The officials had been given 15 days to reply.

On May 24, Mr. Hegde issued notices to 10 politicians and a few officials. Mr. Hegde said that he was working with a team of officials from the Mines and Geology and Forest departments towards finalising his inquiry report. It would throw light on various facts, including the way officials had caused loss to the State.

Loss

It would also mention about the loss caused by some private mining companies. “There will be no more postponements. The report will be submitted shortly,” he added.

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