Mining scam probe team raids six locations

The state vigilance sleuths enquiring into allegation of illegal mining in Kashiabeda iron ore mines in Mayurbhanj district, today raided six locations which included the residences of three mining official, one lessee and a managing director of the private company. The raid was conducted on the houses of Lal Mohan Soren, deputy director, mines (Baripada), Bijay Sahoo, mining officer (Baripada), Purna Chandra Sahoo, senior mining inspector (Baripada).

Similarly, the houses Basanta Das, lessee of the Kashiabeda iron ore mines in Mayurbhanj district, was raided and his bank account frozen. Das is said to be absconding. The vigilance team searched the offices of the Pratap Das, managing director of Jai Jaganath Minerals private Ltd located at Baripada.

Das was alleged to be involved in the illegal transportation of mineral from Kashiabeda mines. The house of another mining scam accused, S N Dasmohapatra was also raided today. He is linked to the illegal mining of manganese and iron ore in the Joda (Keonjhar) based mines.