K'taka begins clamp down on illegal mining

The Karnataka government, which has been hit by the mining controversy, has launched a campaign against unauthorised mining in the state.

In the last 10 days, the government has confiscated 45,239 tonnes of illegally mined iron ore estimated to cost Rs 1.73 crore in the international market.

As many as 36 cases have been filed against various persons, including mine owners, for illegal mining and stocking iron ore in Bellary district. They include Peddala Iron Ore Factory and Sacchidananda Iron Ore Factory, Karnataka's home minister M P Prakash told reporters on Thursday.

He said that a team of officials from police, forest, revenue and, mines and geology departments to curb illegal mining in Bellary district is carrying out a joint operation.

"A huge racket with regard to issuing transport permits and trip sheets of private trucks seems to be in operation. We will get to the bottom of this racket, which is causing a revenue loss to the state," he added.

He pointed out that the racket had an inter-state ramification. Prakash said that Karnataka had sought a clarification from Ananthpur district (Andhra Pradesh) deputy commissioner on the issuance of around 200 way permits in a single day. "We want to verify if they are genuine or fake. The joint operation will continue," he stated.

The minister ruled out the possibility of going back on the decision to file a criminal defamation case against suspended BJP MLC G Janardhan Reddy for accusing chief minister H D Kumaraswamy of accepting Rs 150 crore from Bellary mine owners.

"There is another six months for the government to file the case. We are obtaining certified copies of the video clippings in this regard.'' he said.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to appoint senior counsel C H Hanumantharaya to argue the case. A notification in this regard is expected in a day or two.

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