The Sundargarh Collector ordered an inquiry on Wednesday into the allegation of huge stock of iron ore hidden under earth near Renjda railway siding under Koira mining circle.
After getting instruction, on Wednesday Bonei Sub Collector and the Deputy Director of Mines, Koira and the Additional Superintendent of Police, Bonei sub division went to the spot and conducted an inquiry.
Sources said on Monday BJP’s Bonei organisational district president Manoj Pradhan was informed by villagers and some labourers at the siding about the hidden iron ore. Pradhan claimed that about 30,000 tons of iron ore were hidden in four large pits outside the boundary of the railway siding. Pradhan said the huge stock of iron ore was illegal. The ore was quickly hidden and levelled with earth before the visit of MB Shah Commission and Central Empowered Committee of Supreme Court.
Pradhan also claimed about 30,000 tons of iron ore were hidden by Renjda siding owner Mata Dadhimati Transport which later was renamed as Mata Dadhimati Metallic Minerals.
After getting information about the hidden iron ore, Deputy Director of Mines, Koida Salil Behera deputed a team to the spot on Monday to verify the allegation of illegal stock of iron ore. On Wednesday, Bonei Mazdoor Sangh submitted a complaint in form of a memorandum in K Balang police station of Bonei sub division against Mata Dadhimati Metallic Minerals and demanded action against its owner. Meanwhile, samples of the iron ore from the spot have been brought for testing their grade.
“Today I ordered an inquiry into the issue and accordingly our squad had gone to the spot,” said Collector, Sundargarh BS Punia, adding, “Samples of iron ore have been sent for test and the grade of iron ore will be known after the test result comes. Accordingly, action will be taken.”