Political patronage behind illegal mining difficult to prove

The Justice M B Shah Commission of Inquiry, investigating illegal mining in Odisha, today said that it was difficult to prove political patronage behind it.

"At present ... I may tell you that political patronage is very difficult to find out. There will not be enough evidence in this regard. It may not be proper on the part of a judge to comment on that...," Justice M B Shah told reporters after the fourth day's hearing here.

During his previous visit to the state in December 2011, Justice Shah had also given a similar statement.

Justice Shah had then also slammed government officials for 'direct links' with those involved in illegal mining.
 

Last week, senior Congress member S S Saluja had alleged involvement of ruling BJD leaders.