Cops-mining officials nexus looting natural resources: MP

A minister in the Kamal Nath- led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh caused a flutter on Tuesday saying that "90 per cent of policemen and 10 per cent of mining officials" have been involved in illegal sand and stone mining business and plundering natural resources.

The minister, Govind Singh, who heads Cooperatives and General Administration Department portfolios, also said illegal mining was going on with the support of police who are hand in glove with mining officials.

"I have not yet spoken with Chief Minister Kamal Nath on this but I will soon," Singh told PTI in Bhopal.

He said, "Ninety per cent of policemen and ten per cent of mining officers are involved in illegal sand and stone mining business. Illegal mining is going on with the support of police. Both are plundering natural resources".

The minister was responding to a query on the spread of illegal mining in the state.

He demanded a concerted drive to uproot illegal mining on the lines of a similar campaign against adulteration of food and milk.

The minister hoped such drive would ensure that the royalty (revenue) earned through mining activity would be utilised for development of the state.

"Instead of checking thefts and loot, police are accepting 'cuts' (bribes) from sand dumpers transporting illegally mined sand. This business has been going on since the last 15 -20 years," he alleged.

The minister also alleged hundreds of sand-laden trucks from MP cross the Uttar Pradesh border without any checks. "What is the administration doing"? he asked.

Singh had said in Bhind on Saturday he had failed to check illegal mining despite being part of the government.

According to sources, Singh's remarks can be viewed in the context that he has been sulking because he was denied 'plum' portfolios in the government.

Mining department is represented by Pradeep Jaiswal and Home department by Bala Bachchan.