Govt to initiate criminal action against illegal mining

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today assured Legislative Assembly that the government will initiate criminal proceedings against 'B' and 'C' category mine owners involved in illegal mining and recover fines from them.
A committee has been set up to collect penalty from mine owners violating norms in maintenance of pits and dumps, he said, replying to BJP floor leader and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.
The Chief Minister also assured that no one will be spared and CBI will be given full cooperation in investigating the illegal mining case.
When Shettar asked about steps taken by the government in the six months of coming to power, Siddaramaiah said the Lokayukta had submitted its report, but the previous BJP government returned the file instead of taking action.

"We have initiated action by referring (the matter of) missing iron ore from Bellikeri port to CBI for investigation and referred to Lokayukta to investigate the companies and officials involved as per Supreme Court order," he said.