Illegal Mining in India : CBI raids begin, more
revelation on govt losses
Illegal mining seems to hit the media headlines of the country yet another day too, with the government moving forward with its battle against the illegal exploiters of the mineral resources in Bengaluru, while shocking reports of tax slump caused by illegal mining came from Goa.
Illegal mining seems to hit the media headlines of the country yet another day too, with the government moving forward with its battle against the illegal exploiters of the mineral resources in Bengaluru, while shocking reports of tax slump caused by illegal mining came from Goa.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the
inaction on the part of state governments in carrying out effective steps to
stop rampant illegal mining of iron ore carried out in Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh. As per the report of Central Empowered Committee, there is a complete
failure of the state machinery in relation to controlling and protecting the
environment, forests and minerals from being exploited. The CEC was shocked with
the extent of illegal mining in Karnataka.
The joint team comprising of the officials from Central Bureau of
Investigation(CBI) from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, has carried simultaneous raids
in the residences of B.S. Yedyurappa, former Chief Minister who was accused of
granting undue favors for the illegal miners, and his relatives including his
sons today. Raids were also conducted on South West Mining Company's offices in
Bellary, which has been booked for paying Rs 20 cr in lieu of sanction of mining
licenses. Meanwhile, Yedyurappa has filed an application for securing
anticipatory bail for himself and his sons amid the raids.
Last week, the apex court of India has directed a central
investigating agency to investigate on the issue which created internal turmoil,
both in the state and national politics. Also, the court has directed the
officials of other departments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to co-operate and
provide required information to CBI team.
In another shocking news report, it was revealed that the illegal
mining scam in the state of Goa has seriously affected the Union Ministry target
for local tax collection from the state during the last financial year. The
total income tax collection could reach only to Rs 3441 cr during the period,
against the targeted collection of Rs 6330 cr.
There were also raids carried out in the residence of a coal merchant
in Ranchi yesterday by another team from CBI, regarding the allotment of coal
and coal linkage by the Central Coalfield Ltd authorities. He has been accused
of diverting the coal to UP and Bihar for illegal sale in black
market.
_ Umesh Shanmugham
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