Lokayukta to miss deadline

Justice N Santosh Hegde said visits by several agencies investigating the case against different backdrops caused delay; will take another month or so to file the report.u00a0

The Lokayukta is in the eye of the storm for backtracking on filing an FIR against Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa in the land scam. Besides, it is also likely to miss the deadline of March 31 to submit an investigative report on illegal mining.


In a flash: The Lokayukta had announced a self-imposed deadline
of March 31 for the submission of its report. File pic

Following an uproar in the assembly over the alleged theft of iron ore from Belekere Port last year, the Lokayukta was entrusted with the investigation of illegal mining in the state. While the CID is carrying out a parallel probe on the same issue, the Lokayukta had announced a self-imposed deadline of March 31 for the submission of its report.

"We have postponed submission of the report, as it will take another month or so," said Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde. He attributed the delay to visits by various investigating agencies including Central Empowered Committee (CEC), CBI, and the income tax department, which are investigating the case against different backdrops.

"We have to exchange information with them and deliberate the issue at length. When they are at different phases of their respective investigation, we don't want to create confusion by releasing our report. So we decided to wait," said Hegde.

U V Singh, chief conservator of forest and CEO of lake development authority, who is heading the probe, said, "The investigation is almost complete. As the Lokayukta said, we have to wait for the other investigating agencies to cover some ground."

Respite for BJP
Investigation on illegal mining had been a politically sensitive issue, like the scam of de-notification of government land linking the CM, as it involves Bellary mining lords and cabinet ministers- tourism minister G Janardana Reddy and his trusted lieutenant B Sriramulu, who is also the health minister.u00a0

"Going by the way the investigations are progressing, one can easily say that the situation is only helping leaders in the ruling BJP. Also, Lokayukta's move shows it is soft-pedaling on the issue, which came as a surprise," said V S Ugrappa, spokesperson of the Congress, who has taken a lead role in the campaign against illegal mining.

The CID probe on the issue is also progressing at snail's pace. Only four persons have been arrested so far in the case, after they took over the investigation last year. The investigative department has attracted severe criticism for arresting only low-level cadre in mining companies leaving owners untouched.

Favouring politicos?
So far, the CID has not questioned any mining company owner, while it has withdrawn the charge sheet filed against four mining companies after the court found it was faulty. While the opposition parties are criticising the CID for apparently favouring politicians, top officials in the investigative department are being transferred.

Also, there is no clarity about the ongoing probe with CID officials choosing to remain tightlipped on the issue.
"The probe is underway and our people are doing a commendable job. We will let you know about the details when the time is appropriate," said Neelam Achut Rao, who recently replaced D V Guruprasad as Director General of Police (CID).