The Vigilance Court here rejected the bail application of BK Mohanty, the prime accused in the Uliburu mining scam, after he was produced before the judicial magistrate by Vigilance on Tuesday. The court sent him to judicial custody.
While inquiring into the Rs 1,600-crore illegal mining in the Uliburu mines in Keonjhar district leased to BK Mohanty under the Joda mining circle, a Vigilance team had conducted raid on the residences and offices of those allegedly involved in the scam on Monday. The raid was conducted at 10 places and FIRs were registered against 18 persons, including the lessee.
While most of the accused were found absconding, BK Mohanty was arrested from his residence. Mohanty has appealed for bail in the higher court after the lower court rejected his bail plea. Another prime accused, Deepak Gupta who was operating the mines through a power of attorney, has been absconding ever since the Vigilance raids on the mines two months back.