Central team to verify mining activities in Orissa

With growing demands for a CBI probe into the alleged multi-crore mining scam in Orissa, a Central team is likely to visit the state to ascertain the facts.     

"A central team is likely to visit Orissa to verify the nature of mining activities and their legal position," state Congress president K P Singhdeo said.     

The demand for a thorough probe by the CBI into the "illegal" mining and mines lease to industrial houses and individuals has been made by the opposition BJP and Congress.     

During the recent assembly session, the BJP had raised the issue of alleged illegal mining in Keonjhar vociferously while the Congress had demanded intervention by Union Mines Ministry in the matter.     

The opposition demand for a CBI probe gained momentum after vigilance director Anup Patnaik admitted that manganese and iron ore worth over Rs 100 crore had been smuggled out of Rudekela and Katasahi mines leased out to Ram Bahadur Thakur Ltd (RBTL) in Keonjhar district.     

The state government on its part rejected the opposition demand for CBI probe and instead ordered a vigilance enquiry.