Lokayukta to approach Goa, Andhra Pradesh on mining probe

Even as the Congress went gung ho on its Bellary chalo padayatra demanding a CBI probe into iron ore mining irregularities, the state government on Thursday permitted the Lokayukta to approach the governments of Goa and Andhra Pradesh regarding the scam.

The government’s decision is seen as yet another move to take the sting out of the Congress attack, days after chief minister BS Yeddyurappa clamped down on export of iron ore from state ports.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah termed the move as “yet another eyewash”. “The government is trying to make it appear that it is doing its best to unearth the mining muck. The Lokayukta will not have the kind of power the CBI has to probe scams with inter-state ramifications,” he said.

Speaking to DNA, Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde said he was optimistic of getting co-operation from Andhra Pradesh as the neighbouring state had already sought a CBI probe into mining irregularities.  “It should not be a problem in getting necessary permissions to inspect the ports in AP and unearth data on iron ore procured from Karnataka and its export,” said Hegde, who was also hopeful of getting co-operation from Goa.

“I will approach the Union government if the co-operation is found wanting. I have already decided to take help from Income Tax and Reserve Bank of India officers. I have quite a few options to exercise to overcome obstacles in my way,” he said. However, Hegde stated that the question of seeking CBI help would arise only after exhausting all his options.