Mining report-II to be out today
On the eve of Lokayukta Justice N. Santosh Hegde’s much-awaited “explosive” report, the Karnataka government announced the appointment of Justice Shivaraj V. Patil to the hot seat, an indication that he would asked to take a call on the voluminous document on the role of top politicians, bureaucrats and mining czars in unauthorised excavation and export of precious iron ore.
Sources in Lokayukta said Justice Patil would take charge from Justice Hegde on Tuesday and start pouring over the report. The first copy will probably make its way to the state government through the chief secretary’s office late on Wednesday. “As the head of the institution, the Lokayukta might recommend prosecution on grounds of impropriety rather than criminality. The process of investigation will be taken up by a competent agency as per the criminal procedure code,” a senior official told this newspaper.
The Lokayukta could give all suspects a chance to defend themselves, as was in the case of former CM N. Dharam Singh while dealing with his role in grant of permits for transport of iron ore from the patta land and causing loss to state exchequer. Sources said by doing so in the second report too, the cases being investigated would be known to all public servants, including the chief minister. “Giving so much time to almost 500 officials, at least 4-5 ministers and a chief minister for an inquiry is not feasible. Anyway, if prosecution is ordered any investigating agency has to follow all these procedures,” the official said.
When Justice Hegde admitted last week that part of report regarding indictment of the chief minister was leaked, it was clear that the report will only substantiate allegations against persons and not proceed with investigation. Hence, it is clear that the Lokayukta will recommend prosecution against all those found to be involved in the illegal mining by a competent agency.
Sources in the BJP said members of the core committee would leave for Delhi with a copy of the report and action initiated by the state government on the first report in order to present facts to senior central leaders and perhaps the media.
They are likely to plead with senior leaders not to force Mr Yeddyurappa to quit as the state government has initiated several steps to curb illegal mining.
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