NGO files fresh petition for action against illegal mining

The NGO seeks direction for a probe against all those involved directly or indirectly in illegal mining

The Dharwad-based non-government organisation, Samaj Parivartan Samudaya (SPS) has sought fresh probe against some of the mining companies for alleged illegal mining and accumulation of wealth. It has also sought probe against some politicians like D K Shivakumar, the sitting member of legislative assembly from Kanakapura.

The NGO, in a fresh interlocutory application (IA) filed before the Supreme Court, has sought direction for a probe against all those involved directly or indirectly in illegal mining, including those named in Lokayukta report.

It has also pleaded for recovery of illegal wealth accumulated by them, besides stoppage of mining activity in ecologically sensitive forest areas.

Apart from Shivakumar, the IA focussed on serious illegalities committed by powerful politicians, including former minister V Somanna (Matha Minerals), H D Ramesh, son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, the Baldota Group among others.

The SPS, in its IA supported by documents has stated that Shivakumar allegedly abused power as minister in former chief minister S M Krishnas cabinet and later as MLA transported 1.08 million tonnes of high quality iron ore from Mysore Minerals Limited. He was also involved in alleged denotification of prime land at Benniganahalli in Bangalore with the help of former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and sold the same land to South West Mining Company, a subsidiary of JSW Steel, the 164 page IA filed before the Supreme Court on July 2, 2013 said.

Addressing a press conference, here on Tuesday, SPS founder S R Hiremath alleged that the illegalities committed by Shivakumar were more serious than those committed by jailed mining baron and former BJP minister G Janardhana Reddy.

Referring decision of Karnataka government to cancel 51 leases under Category C, the IA also pleaded for recovery of illegal wealth accumulated by leaseholders and for initiation of criminal proceedings against them.