OTN: Babus in Rs 3 lakh cr Odisha mining scam
*FYI: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/babus-in-rs-3-lakh-cr-odisha-mining-scam-report/211343-37-64.html *
*New Delhi:* The Shah Commission which is probing the alleged Rs 3 lakh crore mining scam in Odisha’s Keonjhar district reveals that the state bureaucrats are directly involved in it. The commission however observed that the involvement of state politicians need a further probe as there is no direct evidence against them.
Chairman of the commission Justice MB Shah said, “At least we can say that without the connivance of the government officials and bureaucrats the scam could not have been possible. As we found that the state bureaucrats were directly involved in it, we did not find any direct evidence against the politicians and their role need further probe.”
Over the last two years the Odisha vigilance department has been denying any involvement of top bureaucrats and state politicians in the muti-crore rupees scam. But within a week of taking over the probe the Shah commission came up with the findings which involve the bureaucrats.
The government is now on the defensive.
Chief secretary, Odisha Bijay Kumar Patnaik said, “We have taken several measures after which all such illegal activities have been reduced, but we are actually at loss when it comes to deal with the illegal activities which the lessee have committed earlier. We are making a reference to the ministry whether we should renew their lease or not.”
The Opposition says only a CBI probe will bring out the alleged involvement of powerful politicians. The Odisha High Court has already heard petitions on the issue, and a verdict is pending.