Miner sees official's role in illegal mining

Addressing media persons here on Thursday, Ganesh said the officials were not discharging their duties according to law, but were acting at the behest of a minister. He demanded suspension of such officials.

Ganesh also demanded that the chief minister should drop from his cabinet, some ministers allegedly involved in illegal mining.  

He welcomed Lokayukta officials’ raids on some mining company offices, stock yards and on the offices of the deputy dirrector of mines at Hospet. He called the raids a victory for those protesting against illegal mining.

Ganesh questioned the chief minister’s statement that no illegal mining was under way in the state. The Lokayukta had detected the transportation of a huge quantity of iron ore from the district to Karwar, he alleged.

Regarding the attack on him, Ganesh said the police were yet to arrest the culprit who, he alleged, was protected by a minister.

Ganesh pointed out that the  same police had successfully arrested the persons who had threatened Health Minister B Sriramulu recently.