Raj Governor orders Lokayukta probe into mines scam

Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh today ordered a Lokayukta probe into the alleged irregular allotment of mines deed on the recommendation of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, according to an official spokesman.
Raje had recommended the Governor to order a Lokayukta (ombudsman) probe into the alleged mines scam involving Principal Secretary of mines Ashok Singhvi, who is in judicial custody, and seven others, the CMO release said.
Raje has cancelled 548 letters of intent (LOIs) and 53 permission letters on mines deeds, issued on first-come-first-serve basis, in public interest.
She also set up a review committee at administrative level on October 5 to look into the matter.

The review committee report stated that out of 19,000 applications, only four were expedited on first-come-first-serve basis which was not proper, the release said.
In addition, the Anti-Corruption Bureau which also looked into the complaints, did not find the committee's report "baseless".

The Governor has asked the Lokayukta to inquire into the allotment of mines deed, irregularities, role of officials and fix their responsibility.
Lokayukta will also give suggestion to contain such irregularities in mines deed allotment in future.
Singhvi is among eight persons, who were arrested recently by Anti-Corruption Bureau in a case of bribery involving Rs 2.55 crore.