CBI issues notices to 65 iron ore miners
12 Feb 2011
Soon after the Supreme Court lifted its stay on the export of iron ore, the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is conducting an inquiry into illegal mining – particularly in the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border area of Bellary - issued notices to 65 mining companies in the district.
The companies include those owned by Karnataka tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy, his family members and close associates.
The companies have been asked to furnish details about their export, mining lease plans and permits, monthly and annual returns, articles of association, details of company directors and their balance sheets from 1998 to date.
After a CBI team concluded a three-day inspection of various mining areas in the district today, P V Seetharam, inspector of police, CBI Bangalore, issued the notices to the companies, which have to respond by 18 February.
An official said the CBI's intention is to unearth the Reddy-owned Obalapuram Mining Co's deals on mining leases in the district, mutual contracts with other companies, as well as any illegal mining leases and transactions.
