Gulbarga: Karnataka Chief Minister BS
Yeddyurappa on Friday said the state government would study the
report of the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered
Committee on illegal mining before offering its views.
The CEC, in its report submitted to the apex court today,
said there has been illegal mining on colossal scale in the
state, particularly in Bellary district, with "active"
connivance of officials of the departments concerned and also
public representatives.
"We have fully cooperated. Our officials have extended
all cooperation and provided the information sought by the
CEC," Yeddyurappa told reporters here.
The court had in February directed the CEC to conduct a
probe into allegations of illegal mining in the state and
submit a report within six weeks.
The CEC team had visited mining areas of Bellary and
Andhra Pradesh.
Meanwhile, Karnataka PCC chief G Parameshwara demanded
the resignation of BJP President Nitin Gadkari, who, he
charged, had supported Yeddyurappa on various issues including
illegal mining.
Talking to reporters at Tumkur, he also demanded the
resignation of ministers allegedly involved in illegal mining,
apparently referring to mining magnates-- Tourism Minister
Janardhana Reddy, his brother, Revenue Minister Karunakara--
and their associate Health Minister B Sreeramulu.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, April 16, 2011, 00:39