Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka Lokayukta Police have registered a suo motu case against several senior government officials, including the Director of the Mines and Geology Department in Bengaluru,the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology in Bagalkote,the Bagalkote Deputy Commissioner,and Tahsildars of Badami,Mudhol, Jamakhandi,Hunagund and Ilkal taluks,over alleged large-scale illegal sand mining in the Krishna river bed.
According to officials,the action followed complaints regarding rampant illegal mining activities in Bagalkote district.
A detailed report was submitted by the Superintendent of Police of the Karnataka Lokayukta,Bagalkote unit, after discreet enquiries into alleged irregularities in sand extraction operations across Hunagund,Ilkal,Mudhol and Badami taluks.
The enquiry reportedly revealed indiscriminate and illegal excavation in the Krishna river bed using heavy machinery in violation of environmental norms and mining regulations.
Following this,Lokayukta Police were authorised to carry out surprise inspections and initiate action against officials suspected of negligence or collusion.
Acting on these directions,the Superintendent of Police of the Lokayukta,along with officers from neighbouring districts, conducted simultaneous raids at 24 locations covering 36 points across Bagalkote district on Thursday morning.
A total of 28 officers and 90 personnel participated in the operation.
During the inspections,officials allegedly found 65 tipper trucks,18 Hitachi excavators,14 mechanised boats, six tractors and one JCB machine engaged in illegal sand mining activities.
Investigators also found large quantities of illegally extracted sand stored at several locations.Prima facie evidence of widespread irregularities has been identified, officials said.
The Lokayukta has directed officials from the Mines and Geology,Revenue,Forest and Environment departments, along with the RTO,Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers and jurisdictional police officers,to initiate legal action against those involved in the illegal mining operations.
Authorities said further investigation is underway and action will also be taken against erring officers and officials found responsible for permitting or failing to curb the illegal activities.
