Forest dept files case against B K Mohanty mines

Mine owner accused of illegal mining worth Rs 1,800 cr

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Koenjhar has filed a case against B K Mohanty mines for illegally excavating and raising iron ore in the forest land adjacent to his mines boundary.

Mohanty, who has 56 hactare (ha) iron ore lease at Uribulu in Joda mineral circle, is accused of illegally raising and exporting iron ore worth Rs 1,800 crore upto 2009, when the irregularities were first noticed by the government authorities.

"The area where mining operations were carried out did not belong to the area leased out to B K Mohanty. The mining was being done by shifting the boundary pillars to adjacent Uliburu reserve forest. All the transport permits issued during the period belonged to B K Mohanty mines," said Ajay Kumar Jena, Konjhar DFO.

"A case has been registered in this regard before the SDJM (Sub-divisonal judicial magistrate), Keonjhar," he added.

The miner, who had authorised Deepak Gupta to carry out lease operations through a power of attorney, has been issued notice by the Joda deputy director of mines for illegal mining and selling of minerals worth Rs 1,776 crore. However, the government sources said, the total amount of business transacted by the mining company, based on total transport records obtained from Paradip port, could top Rs 1,800 crore.

State mines minister said, the department has all the details of the irregularities done by the miners. Justice Shah Commission, which is enquiring into illegal mining activities in the state, has already sought clarification on activities of B K Mohanty mines. B K Mohanty was not available for comment.