Patnaik promises probe into Orissa mining scam

Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik told agitating opposition members of the state assembly on Wednesday that strong action would be taken against those found guilty in the alleged Rs4,500 crore illegal manganese mining scam in Keonjhar district.

The opposition Congress and BJP had stalled the proceedings of the house for last three days demanding CBI enquiry into the issue. However, Patnaik ruled out CBI involvement. ''The state vigilance department will enquire into the allegation with due seriousness and stern action will be taken against the guilty persons,'' he said.

''During the last few days, the issue of illegal mining of manganese ore by RBT (Ram Bahadur Thakur Ltd) has been agitated by members on the flood of the House. The steel and mines minister has indicated that there will be an inquiry by the secretary, steel and mines into the matter and that appropriate action will be taken against all those who are found guilty and no one will be spared,'' the chief minister said in his statement.

For the last four days, the house has been unable to transact its business due to the protests by the opposition Congress and BJP members.

The opposition claims that only a CBI inquiry can nail the culprits who have shown favour to RBT Ltd, owned by members of the ruling BJD and some bureaucrats.

The opposition has alleged that iron ore and manganese mines at Rugudi, Katasahi and Rudukela near Joda in the mineral rich Keonjhar district were given on lease to RBT Ltd although the latter had gone into liquidation on 31 July 2008. The house returned to normalcy after Patnaik's statement.