Date:26/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/26/stories/2007042612990400.htm

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.