The State Government on Thursday took over the Uliburu iron ore mines of lessee BK Mohanty for illegal mining outside the lease area and suspended two Mines Inspectors for their nexus in the multi-crore scam.
Talking to newsmen, Steel and Mines Minister Rajani Kanta Singh said that the Mines Director had already initiated legal measures to bring the mines in question to Government fold. He said minerals illegally excavated from the Government land had been seized and handed over to the State public sector Odisha Mining Corporation, who would auction the minerals.
Stating that the Government had started legal action against those involved in the illegal mining, the Minister said that two Mining Inspectors who were then in charge of the mining area have been suspended after initiating departmental proceeding against them. The high level task force which had investigated into the alleged illegal mining and transportation of the minerals had ascertained the mining loot to the tune of around Rs 4,000 crore.
Besides, after the exposure, the Revenue Department had also undertaken a probe through the District Collector of Keonjhar. Taking cognizance of the prima facie loot of minerals, Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro had recommended the Chief Minister for a Vigilance inquiry into the scam. The Chief Minister later had last month ordered a Vigilance inquiry into the multi-crore scam following which the Vigilance had already initiated a probe.