Oppn Leader Demands CBI Probe into Mines Transfer

BHUBANESWAR: Leader of the Opposition Narsingh Mishra on Saturday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged illegal transfer of Thakurani B iron ore mines by Sarda Mines Private Limited to Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL).

Raising the issue during Zero Hour through a special mention, the  Leader of Opposition alleged that Rule 37 of Mineral Concession Rule, 1960, which states that any transfer except with the permission of State or the Central Government is illegal, has been  violated by the both the companies.

Mishra alleged that JSPL was transferring iron ore from the mines to Chhattisgarh which the State Government has stopped. The JSPL has moved the High Court against the State Government’s order, Mishra said and asked why the State Government has not engaged an eminent lawyer to fight the case on its behalf.

The State Government had engaged lawyers by paying more than `25 lakh to avoid a CBI probe into the mining scam, but it is deliberately not fighting this case (JSPL) properly, he said and demanded the case to be handed over to the CBI.

The Thakurani mines is estimated to have iron ore worth `10,000 crore, Mishra said and advised the State Government to engage good lawyers in the interest of the State. He also requested Speaker Niranjan Pujari to direct the Steel and Mines Department to reply to the special mention raised by him within the stipulated 48 hours. As the session will come to an end on Monday, the Speaker should direct the Department to provide the reply on the last day, he said.

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