Illegal mining: Lok Ayukta ADGP to probe into Yeddyurappa's role

In more trouble for former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurpapa, the Lokayukta today set in motion the process to initiate criminal proceedings against him for his alleged role in illegal mining.

Lok Ayukta Shivraj Patil ordered investigations into chapter 22 of the Lok Ayukta report on illegal mining in which Yeddyurappa has been indicted. The chapter related to financial transactions between a mining company and a trust owned and managed by Yeddyurappa's family members in Shimoga.

Patil directed Lok Ayukta Police ADGP AG Gaonkar to conduct the probe into the matter, marking the commencement of follow-up action on the report, presented by his predecessor Santosh Hegde, in accordance with Governor HR Bhardwaj's directive to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurppa.

He has forwarded the copy of the governor's order to the Lok Ayukta police and directed it to "proceed in the matter in accordance with the law".

Hegde submitted a voluminous report on illegal mining on July 27 and the governor on August 3 asked the Lok Ayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa.

Hegde in his report has recommended for action against Yeddyurappa and others under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Yeddyurpapa, who resigned as chief minister in the wake of his indictment, has challenged the Lokayukta report in the high court stating the recommendations against him were beyond the scope of terms of reference set for the probe and prayed for quashing Chapter 22 of the report.