The Karnataka Raitha Sangha has alleged that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is shielding those involved in illegal stone mining in Manvi taluk and demanded his resignation.
State Committee member Nagalingaswamy told reporters here on Thursday that based on complaints by sangha leaders, revenue officials inspected the mining site on the outskirts of Manvi and submitted a report to the Deputy Commissioner.
“DC S N Nagaraju directed tahsildar Putta Narasayya to book a case of violation of rules against those involved. But even after 35 days, no action was taken,” he said.
On another complaint from sangha leaders, the DC visited the spot on June 20 and directed the tahsildar to seize the machines and book cases against those involved. But sill, there was no action. When members of the sangha protested in front of the DC’s office on July 5, the DC had said he was under pressure from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to book a case against those involved in illegal mining like M Earanna, Akbar Pasha and Srinivas Reddy, Nagalingaswamy said.
The DC and the Chief Minister was not available for comment, when Express tried to reach them for confirmation.
Nagalingaswamy however, said: “The DC said he had got calls from the CM’s office and hence his hands were tied. Those involved in illegal mining have camped in the CM’s office.”