Bellary illegal mining: Now, govt cracks whip on babus

Former chief ministers BS Yeddyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy are already in the dock. Now, it is the turn of mining-tainted officials of various departments to face the music.

Notices are being served to over 750 officials indicted by the Lok Ayukta report on illegal mining. They have been asked to explain why action should not be taken against them in the wake of charges levelled against them.

The action has been initiated in accordance with suggestion from additional chief secretary K Jairaj, head of the committee constituted to study the report and suggest modalities for its implementation.

Most of the indicted officials are from the forest, police and mines and geology departments. Principal secretaries of the departments concerned have been authorised to issue notices.

The committee held four meetings at the divisional level before formulating its course of action to bring to book those indicted by the Lokayukta.