Fast track court to try tainted officials

Former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde named over 700 officials for involvement in illegal mining

The Karnataka government plans to set up a fast-track court to try state government officials named in the multi-crore illegal mining scam in the state. Officials from various departments of the state government named in the final report of the Lokayukta on illegal mining will be put on trial in this fast track court, chief minister Siddaramaiah said today.

Replying to a question from Mallikarjun Siddaramappa Khuba of JD(S) in the legislative assembly, here, he said the loss to the state exchequer as a result of the illegal mining amounted to Rs 16,085 crore.

"We will hold a meeting with the government officials and discuss in detail on the various actions required to be taken on those officials named in the Lokayukta report after the present assembly session. The setting up of fast track court will also be considered," he said.

Former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice (Retd) N Santosh Hegde, in his final report on illegal mining submitted to the state government on July 27, 2011, had indicted more than 700 government officials that were involved in the illegal mining.

Stating that it's going to be two years since the report was submitted later this month, Siddaramaiah admitted to delay in action against officials named in it.

He blamed the previous BJP government for the delay and said the government will not spare anyone, even if they are retired from the service.

"The Central Empowered Committee has also submitted report on the illegal mining case. The Supreme Court is hearing into the matter," he observed.

Responding to another question from Eshwar Bheemanna Khandre of Congress, the chief minister said the state government will consult the Central government and try to raise the royalty charged on iron ore. Currently, 10 per cent of the value of iron ore is charged as royalty by the state government.

"The royalty is not fixed by the state government. The state government can give its opinion to the Central government. We will try to increase the royalty after discussing with the Central government," he assured the house.

He said the government has already started taking actions on the officers indicted in the Lokayukta report.

Already criminal cases have been filed against five officials, while showcause notices have been issued to another 97 officials and forced an official to take retirement, he added.