Mining scam: CBI meets Central, state officials

The CBI probe into alleged illegal mining in Karnataka on Tuesday gained momentum with the probe agency holding a meeting with top Union and state government officials at its office in Bangalore.

Officials from ministries of Mines, IBM, Forest and Ecology, Survey of India and those from Mines and Geology, Forest, Revenue and Transport from the state attended the meeting, CBI sources said. At the meeting, the CBI discussed the alleged illegal iron ore transport from Obulapuram Mining Corporation and Associated Mining Corporation, both owned by arrested former Karnataka minister G Janardhana Reddy.

The iron ore transport undertaken by another mining firm which has reportedly links with Reddy’s companies and National Mineral Development Corporation also came under CBI scanner.

Sources said the CBI sought details from the state and central officials on the illegal export of iron ore from Belikere port in Uttara Kannada district.

On September 23, the Supreme Court had directed the CBI to probe alleged illegal mining in Karnataka, besides Andhra Pradesh. Reddy and his brother-in-law B V Srinivasa Reddy, who is also the managing director of OMC, were arrested by CBI on August 4 in connection with illegal mining.

They are currently in judicial custody in Chanchalguda jail in Hyderabad. CBI has opened its office in Bellary temporarily for the probe into illegal mining.